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'I Am Not A Selector...' - Gillespie Opens Up About His Role For Pakistan After Babar Azam Snub

Jason Gillespie talks about Pakistan's squad selection (Source:@grassrootscric/x.com and @TheRealPCB_Live/x.com)Jason Gillespie talks about Pakistan's squad selection (Source:@grassrootscric/x.com and @TheRealPCB_Live/x.com)

In the wake of Pakistan's recent shake-up in their cricketing structure, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has opened up about his evolving role within the team setup. He also stated that he distance himself from the selection process while assuming the position of a 'matchday strategist.' The drastic changes came after Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against England in Multan, sparking a broader re-evaluation within the PCB.

Jason Gillespie's Reveals Role Changes In Pakistan

Speaking at a media conference ahead of the third and final Test between Pakistan and England, Gillespie clarified that he no longer plays a part in squad selection. He also emphasized that his priority is entirely on the players and their matchday performance.

With Jason Gillespie's clear separation from selection duties, his focus is squarely on preparing his players for performance on the field, a move he believes will streamline their preparations and ensure the best possible results for the team.

“The PCB came in after that (first) Test match. It was decided that a new selection panel would come in, and they would be making decisions. I wasn’t involved in the decision-making. I’m now just the coach for matchday strategy, so I just keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket. Look, it’s not for me to talk about now. I am not a selector; I am a matchday strategist as head coach, and I’m all about the players. My focus is on them. I will let the selectors do their job, and we will just go out there and play the best cricket we can possibly play,” Gillespie stated

Why Has Pakistan Made Changes In Squad Selection?

The PCB’s restructuring of the selection process involves a newly appointed five-member committee, now headed by former fast bowler Aaqib Javed. Alongside Javed, the panel includes Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema. 

Under this new system, the captain and head coach have no involvement in squad selection, a significant departure from previous protocols, granting full authority to the selection committee. These changes were made not only for the remaining Test matches against England but also for Pakistan's upcoming white-ball series against Australia and Zimbabwe.