Former Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its poor management and lack of communication, which he says prompted his resignation. In interviews with Australian media, Gillespie detailed his frustrations with the PCB, highlighting key incidents that led to his departure.
A major point of contention for Gillespie was the PCB’s decision not to extend the contract of Tim Nielsen, the High-Performance Red-Ball Coach. Nielsen, appointed in August 2024, had developed strong ties with the team but was informed after the Australia tour that his services were no longer required.
Gillespie expressed his disappointment, stating, “I was completely unaware of the decision not to retain Tim Nielsen. This, along with past incidents, made me question whether I was truly needed.” He revealed that Nielsen’s dismissal was a key reason he chose to skip Pakistan’s recent tour of South Africa.
The 49-year-old coach described the challenges he faced, including feeling sidelined in team operations. He shared that his role had been reduced to mundane tasks like giving catching practice to players. “The purpose of my coaching stint in Pakistan was fading away,” he said.
Gillespie also criticized the lack of communication with selectors and team management. “For planning purposes, I need to be informed about the squad at least a day in advance. Without these basic requirements, working becomes very difficult,” he explained.
One incident that underscored the communication gap was during the Test series against England. Gillespie learned about a new selection committee through a group text message after the first match, without any prior discussion. The committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam for the second Test only deepened his frustrations, reflecting the lack of coordination within the team’s management.
Despite his criticisms of the PCB, Gillespie spoke highly of the camaraderie among the players. He particularly highlighted the bond players shared with Nielsen, affectionately calling him “Grandpa.”
Gillespie’s resignation adds to the growing list of coaching controversies faced by the PCB. Former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten also resigned in November, just six months into his tenure, citing management issues. Kirsten’s resignation came before Pakistan’s tour of Australia, where Gillespie had to step in as interim white-ball coach.
After the tour, Aqib Javed was appointed as interim white-ball coach, leading the team during their series against Zimbabwe. Following Gillespie’s resignation, Aqib Javed has now also been named interim red-ball coach ahead of Pakistan’s two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled from December 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025, in Centurion and Cape Town.
Gillespie was appointed as red-ball head coach on April 28, 2024, with his first assignment being a two-match home Test series against Bangladesh. Pakistan suffered a 2-0 whitewash in that series but bounced back under his guidance to secure a 2-1 victory in a three-match home Test series against England.