‘I was completely and utterly blindsided by the PCB’, Babar Azam is Good: Jason Gillespie

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: December 17, 2024
Last updated: January 24, 2025

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Jason Gillespie has resigned as Pakistan’s Test coach, causing a significant stir within the cricket world. This decision comes just before Pakistan is set to face South Africa in an upcoming Test series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has promptly appointed Aaqib Javed as the interim red-ball coach. Javed will handle this role along with his ongoing duties with Pakistan’s white-ball teams.

Gillespie took charge in April 2024, following Gary Kirsten’s appointment as head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball teams. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured a remarkable 2-1 series victory against England. However, his tenure was marred by growing dissatisfaction with the PCB’s organizational decisions.

Jason Gillespie reveals the reason behind his resignation as a head coach of Pakistan Men's team. | | | | |
— Khel Shel (@khelshel)

Jason Gillespie was full of praise for Babar Azam's work ethic and stated that he was not involved in the decision to drop him from the Test team.
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric)

"I was completely and utterly blindsided." 👀🇵🇰

In an exclusive and eye-opening interview, Jason Gillespie shares the reasons behind his resignation from the Pakistan coaching role amid a tumultuous tenure in the top job. 🏏

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— ABC SPORT (@abcsport)

Jason Gillespie on PCB

I was completely and utterly blindsided by the PCB, Babar Azam is Good: Jason Gillespie

A primary reason for Gillespie’s resignation was the PCB’s decision to terminate Tim Nielsen, his senior assistant coach. Gillespie criticized the board for poor communication and lack of transparency, pointing out that Nielsen’s dismissal occurred without his knowledge. This lack of communication also extended to the selectors and the conveyance of critical team information, which severely affected his role.

The situation deteriorated further when Gillespie was informed that Nielsen would not be permitted to travel with the team to South Africa. He expressed feeling increasingly isolated from significant decision-making processes, which he cited as a devaluing experience.

This situation is reminiscent of Gillespie’s involvement with Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team during Australia’s tour. After Kirsten’s resignation, Gillespie oversaw the team and led them to victory in the ODI series.

The decision for Gillespie to resign highlights ongoing challenges within the PCB regarding managerial communication and decision-making processes. As Aaqib Javed steps in as the interim coach, the cricket community eagerly watches how these developments unfold and impacts the team’s performance against South Africa.