Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler, has stepped down from his role as Pakistan’s red-ball cricket coach. He had joined the team earlier this year under a two-year contract but decided to resign following reports of tensions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Gillespie, who had signed on in April alongside South African Gary Kirsten, saw his tenure cut short. Kirsten had previously resigned as Pakistan’s limited-overs coach back in October. The decision by Gillespie to leave was officially announced on Thursday.

In the meantime, Aqib Javed, another former fast bowler, has been named as the interim red-ball coach for Pakistan. Aqib was already serving as the interim coach for Pakistan’s white-ball formats, and now he will oversee both red-ball and white-ball coaching duties.

The PCB shared that Aqib’s first task as red-ball head coach will be leading the team during their upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. This is part of Pakistan’s ongoing all-format tour in South Africa.

Currently, Pakistan is playing a three-match T20 international series against South Africa. This will be followed by three one-day internationals (ODIs) before the Test matches begin. The first Test is scheduled to take place in Centurion on December 26, and the second will be held in Cape Town on January 3.