Jason Gillespie has stepped down as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team, informing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of his decision just hours before the squad was set to depart for South Africa for a two-Test series. The resignation was officially confirmed by the PCB on December 12.
A PCB spokesperson stated, "He has resigned," without offering further details.
Gillespie’s departure had been anticipated, particularly after the PCB decided not to renew the contract of assistant coach Tim Nielsen, with whom Gillespie shared a strong working relationship.
Aaqib Javed Steps In as Interim Red-Ball Coach
"The PCB has named Aaqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach following the resignation of red-ball head-coach Jason Gillespie," the Pakistan Board said in a statement.
Aaqib is already serving as interim head coach of the white-ball team, which is currently touring South Africa for a series of T20Is and ODIs.
Aaqib’s first task as red-ball coach will be Pakistan’s two-Test series against South Africa. The matches are scheduled to take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26 to 30 and at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
Internal Challenges and Growing Frustrations
Gillespie’s resignation comes at a challenging time for Pakistan cricket, which is embroiled in ongoing disputes with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the Champions Trophy hosting controversy. This off-field turmoil has now been compounded by on-field setbacks.
Reportedly, Gillespie had been frustrated by the PCB’s recent decisions, particularly their handling of Nielsen’s contract. He was also unhappy about being excluded from key decisions during Pakistan’s home series against England. Sources suggest the Nielsen situation was the breaking point for the Australian coach, who had signed a two-year contract with the PCB earlier this year.
A Troubled Tenure for Foreign Coaches
Gillespie’s resignation follows closely on the heels of Gary Kirsten’s exit as white-ball head coach in October. Both coaches were recruited in April, but neither lasted even six months in their roles, raising questions about the PCB’s ability to retain foreign coaching talent. These developments could pose challenges for the PCB in attracting international coaches in the future.
Mixed Results Under Gillespie’s Leadership
Gillespie’s tenure saw mixed outcomes. His first series as Test coach was a disappointing 0-2 home loss to Bangladesh. However, Pakistan bounced back under his guidance to secure a 2-1 victory against England after dropping the first Test. Gillespie also served as interim coach for the white-ball team during their tour of Australia in November, where Pakistan won the ODI series 2-1 but suffered a T20I clean sweep.
As Pakistan cricket grapples with leadership changes and administrative hurdles, the departure of yet another high-profile coach highlights the challenges the board must address to stabilise its teams and regain trust in its system.