Pakistan's cricket team endured a turbulent year, marked by multiple coaching changes and a disappointing performance at the Champions Trophy. The team failed to secure a win in the group stage, leading to an early exit from the tournament. This organizational instability saw Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten resign from their coaching roles before the year's end, with Aaqib Javed stepping in as the permanent head coach.
Jason Gillespie, who had been appointed Test head coach in April, resigned in December. During his tenure, he was removed from Pakistan's selection panel amid the Test series against England. Gillespie's brief interim charge during the white-ball tour of Australia resulted in a one-day series victory but concluded with a loss in the T20 series. In his absence, Aaqib Javed took over as the permanent head coach.
Gary Kirsten, who assumed the role of white-ball head coach alongside Gillespie in April, resigned in October after just six months. Both coaches were replaced by Aaqib, whose appointment was solidified before the year's end. The frequent changes within the coaching staff have been a point of contention.
"We changed 16 coaches in the last two-and-a-half years and 26 selectors." – Aaqib
The transition was not without controversy. Gillespie openly criticized his successor, Aaqib, accusing him of undermining both his and Kirsten's positions to secure his own appointment.
"This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown." – Jason Gillespie
Gillespie's departure mirrored the tensions within Pakistan's cricket leadership, raising questions about stability and long-term planning. The team's struggle at the Champions Trophy highlighted the need for cohesive leadership to address performance issues on the field.
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