Why did Jason Gillespie resign as Pakistan's test coach just before test series in South Africa?

Jason Gillespie was appointed as Pakistan’s test coach in April 2024.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Jason Gillespie has stepped down as the head coach of the test side. The confirmation comes just two weeks before Pakistan‘s highly anticipated test series in South Africa.

Gillespie’s resignation marks the end of a turbulent relationship between the Australian and the board, which is said to have been deteriorating for months. The decision came to light after Gillespie refused to board his scheduled flight to South Africa on Friday.

PCB has announced that Aaqib Javed, currently the interim coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, will take over as test coach on an interim basis for the two-match series against the Proteas.

Gillespie’s tenure began in April with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi praising his impressive coaching credentials. However, the cracks formed when the board removed Jason from the test side’s selection panel in October.

Why did Jason Gillespie resign as Pakistan’s test coach just before test series in South Africa?

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Jason Gillespie’s resignation as Pakistan’s test coach stemmed from multiple factors. He was deeply upset when the board decided not to renew high-performance red-ball coach Tim Neilsen’s contract without consulting him, undermining the strong rapport Neilsen had built with the players.

Since October, the PCB had increasingly excluded Gillespie from key decisions, including the selection of the test squad for the South Africa tour, leaving him feeling sidelined as just a “matchday analyst.”

Also, the board’s preference for Pakistan-based coaches further sidelined Gillespie and Nielsen, solidifying his decision to step down.

Pakistan will now face South Africa in a two-match test series starting from December 26. The first test will be played in Centurion with the second scheduled in Cape Town from January 3. The Pakistan test side’s last series saw them make a comeback victory by 2-1 against England at home.

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