The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday appointed Aqib Javed, a member of its men’s selection committee, as interim red-ball head coach of the cricket team following Jason Gillespie’s resignation. In a statement today, the PCB said his first assignment in the role would be the two-match Test series against South Africa during the ongoing all-format tour. The statement did not give a reason for Gillespie’s resignation. It added that the first Test was scheduled at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26-30 with the second at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3-7. The men’s side are currently in South Africa featuring in a three-match T20I series, which will be followed by a three-match ODI series. Today’s development comes after Aqib of the interim white-ball head coach as well last month. He had replaced Gillespie, who was appointed to the role in October after former South Africa top-order batter Gary Kirsten’s resignation. In April, Kirsten was to lead the white-ball format, while Gillespie took charge as the Green Team’s red-ball head coach. However, Kirsten from the position in October, following which Gillespie had assumed his role as well. According to a , Kirsten was neither consulted nor given any role in the selection of the Pakistan squad for Australia and Zimbabwe tours.