Pakistan cricket’s long-running struggles off the field were back in focus after former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie opened up about the circumstances that led to his early exit as Pakistan’s Test coach. Rather than a single flashpoint, Gillespie painted a picture of deep structural issues and communication breakdowns that ultimately made the role untenable.
Gillespie, who resigned just eight months into his tenure last year, revealed during a Q&A session on X that the final trigger was the sudden removal of senior assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a decision taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) without consulting him.
As head coach, Gillespie said the move crossed a professional line and reflected a broader pattern of sidelining that eroded trust within the setup.
The PCB sacked our senior assistant coach with ZERO communication
“I was coaching the Pakistan Test side. The PCB sacked our senior assistant coach with ZERO communication with me about it- as Head Coach I found this situation completely unacceptable,” he wrote before adding: “There were a number of other issues which left me completely humiliated.”
Despite the turbulent backdrop, Gillespie’s stint was not without on-field success. Pakistan registered a notable 2-1 Test series win over England at home, a rare highlight in recent years. However, the assignment also came with difficult calls, including overseeing Babar Azam’s omission from the playing XI due to poor form and navigating a disappointing 2-0 home series loss to Bangladesh.
Sources and reports during his tenure had repeatedly hinted at friction between the coaching staff and the PCB, particularly over decision-making authority. Gillespie’s latest comments now give weight to those reports, suggesting that disagreements were also regarding the operational part of the system.
When Gillespie travelled from Australia, Kirsten flew in from South Africa but PCB chairman joined virtually
The former pacer also revisited an earlier episode involving PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of leadership presence. Gillespie recalled a “Connection Camp” proposed by then white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, where players and staff shared personal experiences to strengthen team culture. While Gillespie travelled from Australia and Kirsten flew in from South Africa, the PCB chairman chose to attend virtually despite being based nearby, a moment Gillespie described as unusual and telling.
His remarks come at a time when Pakistan’s coaching structure remains in flux. A recent PTI report claimed that Azhar Mahmood has been let go as Test coach with months still left on his contract, adding to the sense of instability around the national side. As things stand, there is no clarity on who will take charge next.
Gillespie’s account goes beyond a personal grievance, instead raising uncomfortable questions about governance, continuity and the working environment offered to elite coaches issues that continue to haunt Pakistan cricket’s quest for consistency.