SYDNEY: Jason Gillespie has stepped down from his role as head coach of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers.
He returned full-time to South Australia to manage the Redbacks ahead of the 2020/21 summer. Despite a contract extension until the end of the 2024–25 season, Gillespie resigned with one year remaining on his contract amid heavy speculation linking him with a coaching role in Pakistan.
While there have been reports linking Gillespie with the coaching vacancy at the Pakistan Cricket Board, SACA has chosen not to comment on the matter. Gillespie is expected to retire from his SACA duties by the end of June.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together at SACA and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future,” Gillespie said.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support during my time at the Strikers and Redbacks, it’s been a real team effort. Being able to play and coach in my home state has been an amazing experience and one that I am honored to have achieved.
“I’m looking forward, I’m excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and continue the next chapter of my career.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering the selection of a new coaching staff for the national team.
South Africa’s Gary Kirsten and New Zealand’s Luke Ronchi are being considered for the head coach position after Shane Watson, Mike Hesson and Darren Sammy declined.
Both Kirsten and Ronchi asked for time to decide. Additionally, the PCB is currently engaged in discussions with Gillespie regarding a potential coaching role within the staff. The PCB aims to complete these meetings by next week.
