The Pakistan team will be playing against Bangladesh in the last week of August, a series comprising two Test matches at home.
Pakistan last played a Test series against Australia and after that a lot of things have been changed more importantly – Pakistan has a new Test coach – Jason Gillespie.
Since the start of the 2022, Pakistan have only won three Test matches out of 15 and lost a total of eight games. What’s most surprising and annoying is the side has not won any home Test in the last THREE years.
In his recent interview with Espncricinfo, the newly-appointed Test coach showed determination in growing the side “healthier”
“I know there’s been a lot of change in all facets. Gary [Kirsten, Pakistan’s new white-ball coach] and I both get that. We’ve had some really good conversations and good discussions with the PCB about how we can put structures and systems in place so that while we’re moving in the right direction short term, in the medium and long term, Pakistan cricket is going to be healthier.”
Besides the Pakistan team, the Pakistan management and chairmanship have been unpredictable. Since 2022, Pakistan has had five chairmen, different chief selectors, multiple head coaches, and captaincy chaos. Nothing is really stable in the Pakistan Cricket board and team except – disappointment.
“You want to get systems in place,” Gillespie says. “To get the right players, you need the right people around the organisation, and you need the pathway. That’s when you’re moving forward. It’s very easy when you’re coming into jobs; you’ve got a two-year contract or a one-year contract. You make short-term decisions to look after your own back. But that doesn’t help anyone, because if everyone has that approach, nothing long-term gets done.”
Although Pakistan showed some good performances against Australia, Abdullah Shafique stepping up, Mohammad Rizwan showing defiance, Mir Hamza bowled well, and Aamer Jamal showed in on his debut series, the side failed to win a single Test match on the tour.
Pakistan last won a Test series at home was in 2021 against South Africa. After that they were belted by Australia and England and drew the series against New Zealand.
Despite all the factors, the coach believes the team and fans are passionate alike. So, he is excited to coach the bunch of passionate players, yet he admitted it’s going to be a “challenging” task.
“Pakistan is an exciting cricket team and has a passionate fan base,” he says. “And this is an opportunity to be involved in international cricket and work with the best players. Having not been on the international circuit for a while since I finished playing, it’s going to be a new experience and a new challenge, which I’m really excited about.”
Concluding the interview, Jason said it’s an honour for him to coach the Pakistan team.
“It’s an honour and a privilege for me to coach Pakistan, and it’s an honour and a privilege for each and every player to represent Pakistan. That for me, is something that’s always stood out. I know when I played against Pakistan, that came through.”
