The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided not to renew the contract of Tim Nielsen as assistant coach, a move that comes just weeks before Pakistan’s Test series in South Africa, starting December 26. Nielsen had been serving as the high-performance red-ball coach since August, but his short-term contract concluded following Pakistan’s recent tour of Australia.
The decision has reportedly caused friction within the coaching staff, with Pakistan’s Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, expressing surprise and frustration over the lack of consultation. Nielsen had hoped for an extension, citing the team’s progress under his guidance. However, he was informed by the PCB that his services were no longer required.
Gillespie, who has been facing reduced responsibilities since being removed from the Test selection panel in October, now serves primarily as a matchday strategist. Communication between Gillespie and the PCB has reportedly been minimal, further strained by his role as interim coach during Pakistan’s white-ball series in Australia after the resignation of Gary Kirsten.
The sudden dismissal of Nielsen has led Gillespie to question his own future with the team. Gillespie acknowledged Nielsen’s strong rapport with the players as a significant asset, adding that the decision to part ways may have been influenced by Nielsen’s non-resident status in Pakistan.
The PCB has yet to announce a replacement for Nielsen, but recent trends suggest a preference for local coaching staff. This policy shift was also apparent in October, when Gary Kirsten stepped down due to concerns about his time spent outside Pakistan.