Jason Gillespie reveals shocking news after being excluded from PCB decision-making on squad selection: 'I'm only a coach now...'

The revamped selection committee, which consists of former umpire Aleem Dar and former players Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema, has been granted full autonomy in squad selection and making difficult decisions, without any interference from the captain or coach.

Gillespie confirmed ahead of the third Test that the PCB has told him he won't be involved in squad selection decisions.

“I’m now just the coach for match day strategy. So, I keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket,” a clearly downcast Gillispie said in a media conference.

“The PCB came in after that (first) Test match. It was decided that a new selection panel would come in, and they would be making decisions. I wasn’t involved in the decision-making,” Gillespie confirmed to the media.

The former Australian pacer made it clear that his focus was now on the players and that he was leaving selection matters to the newly appointed committee.

“Look, it’s not for me to talk about now. I am not a selector. I am a match day strategist as head coach, and I’m all about the players. My focus is on them.

“I will let the selectors do their job, and we will just go out there and play the best cricket we can possibly play,” he said.

The selectors have now also been given authority to have a say in the preparation of the pitches for the Test matches.