Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali took a dig at former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie after his resignation as head coach of the Test team. Basit Ali stated that Jason Gillespie likely stepped down before the challenging South Africa series to avoid a tough assignment, describing it as strategically timed.
The 49-year-old has resigned as Pakistan’s head coach after seven months in the role. Gillespie also served as the interim white-ball coach following Gary Kirsten’s resignation. His resignation comes just before the Pakistan team’s two-match Test series against South Africa, set to begin on December 26.
Jason Gillespie Has Made a Very Good Decision – Basit Ali
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali opened up about Jason Gillespie’s resignation as Pakistan’s head coach. Basit highlighted that South Africa is a tough place to tour, especially for subcontinent teams.
“He has made a very good decision not to go to South Africa. Why will he not go? Because South Africa isn’t an easy place. Keep everything in mind,” Basit said.
“Jason Gillespie wanted to make his CV, which he did. This was the best time for him to step down. Winning the series against England was a very big achievement. What happens in our country? People just make their CVs,” he added.
Bring the Prime Minister from Outside Too – Basit Ali
During the same video, Basit Ali shared his reaction to favoritism in hiring a Pakistan coach. He sarcastically remarked that Pakistan might eventually prefer foreigners for top positions like Prime Minister or PCB chairman.
“Bring the chairman from outside too then. Does the chairman not appoint those whom he likes? In our country, the ones in charge of the State Bank also come from outside, right? One day, we will have to say that brother, bring the Prime Minister from outside too,” Basit added.
They Will Get Offers from Other Countries and Franchises – Basit Ali
Basit said that Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten are likely to receive coaching offers from other teams and franchises after leaving their roles with Pakistan. He said that coaches might also attract opportunities from the IPL franchises.
“When Mickey Arthur was removed, people said that perhaps there would be no foreign coaches in Pakistan. Now, when these two have stepped down, you will see that they will get offers from other countries and franchises. They might go to the IPL,” he concluded.
Jason Gillespie had a tough start as Pakistan suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in September. The Men in Green then faced a heavy loss to England in the first Test the following month. However, they bounced back to win the next two Test matches and clinched a 2-1 series victory at home.
Pakistan’s white-ball team is currently in South Africa for a T20I and ODI series. After these matches, the first Test will start on December 26 in Centurion, followed by the second Test in Cape Town from January 3-7.
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