Jason Gillespie has stepped down as Pakistan’s red-ball coach ahead of the Test series against South Africa starting December 26. The confirmation comes weeks after the PCB refuted a report of the post being vacated.
Gillespie’s resignation came just a month after Gary Kirsten had stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball coach six months into his job. Notably, Gillespie was named the interim coach for Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia in November. National men's team selector Aaqib Javed took over that role following the Australia tour.
As per multiple reports, Gillespie left his position due to ongoing tensions with the PCB. He reportedly refused to board the 6 AM flight to South Africa on Friday, notifying the board of his intent to resign. Aaqib will now also serve as head coach of the Test side on an interim basis.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team following the resignation of red-ball head-coach Jason Gillespie," an official press release confirmed.
Last month, Espncricinfo reported that Gillespie was set to be removed from his head coach role, with Aaqib as his potential replacement. The PCB addressed that report directly, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to say: "PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa."
PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa. https://t.co/J5MYKuq368
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024
Less than a month after this statement, Gillespie will not be in charge of the side for the South Africa Tests.
Gillespie's dissatisfaction also reportedly stems from the non-renewal of high-performance red-ball coach Tim Nielsen’s contract without his consultation, leaving him frustrated and sidelined. In October, Gillespie had also said in a press conference that his role as head coach had been modified to that of a "matchday strategist".
The timing of Gillespie’s departure leaves Pakistan in a tumultuous position. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, they are left without a permanent red-ball or white-ball coach. Gillespie's contract until mid-2026 and his resignation have spared the PCB from paying out the remaining contract fee.
Pakistan will play the first Test in Centurion on December 26 followed by the second in Cape Town from January 3.
