Ex Australian Cricketer Jason Gillespie resigns as Pakistan cricket coach
Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie has resigned as head coach of Pakistan’s Test team, just weeks before the two-match Test series against South Africa, set to begin on December 26. His departure follows a series of tensions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), culminating in his refusal to board a scheduled flight to South Africa.
Gillespie’s resignation is a significant setback for the PCB, especially after Gary Kirsten stepped down from his role as white-ball coach last month. The PCB has appointed former Pakistani cricketer AaqibJaved as the interim head coach for the upcoming Test series. Javed, who is already serving as the interim coach for Pakistan’s white-ball teams, will now oversee the red-ball format temporarily.
Reports indicate that Gillespie’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the PCB’s decision not to renew Tim Nielsen’s contract as high-performance red-ball coach without consulting him. This lack of communication eroded trust and contributed to his decision to resign. Gillespie had been appointed in April and had led Pakistan to a notable series victory against England earlier this year, showcasing the team’s potential.
With Gillespie’s exit, Pakistan faces uncertainty in leadership as they prepare for crucial matches ahead, including the Champions Trophy. AaqibJaved now steps into a challenging role, tasked with guiding the team through this turbulent period.