Jason Gillespie has resigned as head coach of Pakistan’s Test team, amid rising tensions with the PCB. His resignation comes only days before Pakistan’s two-match Test series against South Africa. The PCB confirmed Gillespie’s departure after he refused to board a scheduled aircraft to South Africa, citing irreconcilable differences with the board.
Aaqib Javed, who is already the interim coach for Pakistan’s white-ball teams, will take over as Test coach on a temporary basis. ESPNcricinfo had previously claimed that Gillespie’s stint was reaching its end, although the PCB originally dismissed the reports. However, relations worsened further when the PCB declined to renew Tim Nielsen’s contract as high-performance red-ball coach—without consulting Gillespie.
Gillespie apparently felt sidelined, with little say in team selection and choices. In October, the PCB removed him from the Test selection panel, causing him to become increasingly frustrated. Despite being appointed with considerable excitement in April, Gillespie’s job had been limited to what he described as a “matchday analyst.”
The PCB’s decision to replace foreign coaches with local talent is consistent with Aaqib’s appointment. While the board avoided paying out Gillespie’s contract, his exit signals a watershed moment in Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan’s first Test against South Africa begins on December 26 in Centurion, with the second in Cape Town on January 3.
