Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming he felt excluded from key decisions during his tenure as Pakistan’s Test coach. Gillespie resigned last week, just over a year into his contract, citing frustration with the lack of communication from PCB.
The 49-year-old coach chose not to accompany the team for their upcoming South Africa tour. One of his main concerns was the abrupt dismissal of performance coach Tim Nielsen, also an Australian, without consulting him.
“Nielsen was informed that his services were no longer required, and I had no communication from anyone about it,” Gillespie told ABC in Brisbane. “When such a major decision is made without even a text, call, or email to the head coach, it made me question whether the PCB wanted me in this role.”
Gillespie’s resignation marks the second high-profile coaching departure in two months. Earlier, Gary Kirsten, a former South African opener, stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach due to disagreements with selectors.
Gillespie’s stint as Test coach began on a rough note, with Pakistan losing a 2-0 series against Bangladesh. The instability in Pakistan’s coaching setup is becoming evident, with the team now cycling through seven different coaches across formats in the past three years.
The PCB accepted Gillespie’s resignation but has not commented on his criticisms. His departure underscores ongoing challenges within the management and coaching structure of Pakistan cricket.
