LAHORE: Dismissing a media report suggesting the removal of Jason Gillespie as red-ball coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) firmly clarified yesterday that the 49-year-old former Australian cricketer remains in his position and will continue his duties.

A PCB spokesperson announced that Gillespie, who is also performing duties as interim white-ball head coach, would be the red-ball coach for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa as announced previously. The board has categorically denied the report of a cricket-based website which asserted that Gillespie was expected to be relieved of all duties as Pakistan head coach and will be replaced by Aqib Javed across all formats. Earlier, it was learnt by a local TV channel via sources that Javed - who is currently a part of PCB’s selection committee - was being considered for the position of head coach of the national men’s white-ball team. According to the details, the cricket board is considering Javed for the role, with the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe most likely being his first assignment as the Pakistan head coach. Considering the white-ball team’s packed schedule - commencing with white-ball matches against Zimbabwe, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is from 24 November to December 5 - a decision in this regard is expected soon, sources further revealed.