ISLAMABAD: Jason Gillespie, the former Australian cricketer who recently resigned as Pakistan’s Test coach, revealed he was “completely and utterly blindsided” by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Gillespie, who took on the role with high hopes, stepped down due to what he described as a frustrating lack of communication and support from the PCB.
The turning point for Gillespie came when the PCB decided not to renew the contract of Tim Nielsen, the high-performance coach, without informing him. Nielsen, recommended by Gillespie, had received positive feedback for his contributions to the team. Gillespie expressed surprise at the PCB’s decision and frustration over being excluded from such critical decisions.
“The straw that broke the camel’s back,” Gillespie said, “was the lack of clear communication. I wasn’t informed about Nielsen’s departure or any major changes in advance.”
During his tenure, Gillespie led Pakistan to a notable 2-1 Test series victory against England in October, showcasing the team’s progress under his leadership. However, the PCB’s move to introduce a new selection panel without his involvement further undermined his role as head coach.
Gillespie lamented that he was often left out of key decisions, sometimes learning the playing XI only a day before matches. “You want clear communication as a head coach, but I often felt like my role was reduced to hitting catches on match mornings,” he added.
Despite building a strong relationship with Test captain Shan Masood and helping the team move in a positive direction, Gillespie believed the PCB’s actions indicated they no longer wanted him in the role.
Read more: Aalia Rasheed Joins PCB Board of Governors
With Gillespie’s exit, former cricketer Aaqib Javed has been appointed as Pakistan’s interim Test coach for their upcoming series in South Africa. Aaqib also serves as the interim coach for the white-ball teams following Gary Kirsten’s resignation earlier this year.
The PCB now faces the challenge of restoring stability within the coaching setup and improving communication with key stakeholders as they look to rebuild confidence and direction for Pakistan cricket.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.