Former Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie has shed light on the circumstances that led to his resignation as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, citing poor communication and a diminishing sense of purpose in his role.

In an interview with Australian media, Gillespie opened up about the frustrations he faced during his tenure with the Pakistan cricket team, including his exclusion from key decisions by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Lack of Communication from PCB

Gillespie expressed dissatisfaction with the PCB’s handling of crucial matters, particularly their decision to let go of High-Performance Coach Tim Nielsen without informing him.

“I was completely unaware of the decision not to retain Tim Nielsen,” Gillespie revealed. “This, along with several past issues, made me question whether I was truly needed. Not informing the head coach about such a significant decision compelled me to reconsider my position.”

He also lamented the lack of coordination, stating that he often learned about major decisions, such as squad changes and committee formations, via impersonal updates or group chats.

Fading Purpose in the Role

Gillespie highlighted how his role had been reduced to menial tasks, such as conducting catching practice on match mornings, which led him to feel his contributions were undervalued.

“The purpose of my coaching stint in Pakistan was fading away,” he said. “I was reduced to giving catching practice to players on match mornings.”

As the head coach, he emphasized the importance of clear communication for effective team planning. “It’s essential to have full communication with selectors and other stakeholders. Without being informed about squad plans or decisions a day in advance, it becomes nearly impossible to function properly,” he added.

Key Incidents That Triggered His Decision

Gillespie recounted several incidents that underscored his frustration, including being excluded from discussions about the new selection committee. He learned of its formation via a text message after Pakistan’s first Test against England.

Another contentious issue was the decision to drop Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, during the Test series against England. The move was made by the new selection committee without consulting him. “The decision to drop Babar Azam was made without my input,” Gillespie remarked, calling it a glaring example of the disconnect between the board and the coaching staff.

Mixed Tenure and Sudden Departure

Gillespie’s resignation came after an eventful, albeit short, stint. Appointed on April 28, 2024, his tenure began with a 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh at home. However, the team rebounded under his guidance to secure a 2-1 Test series victory against England.

Despite these achievements, Gillespie expressed frustration with the PCB’s internal inefficiencies. “After being sidelined from selection matters, my powers were severely limited. How could I plan for matches when I wasn’t consulted on squad decisions or even informed about key player exclusions like Babar Azam?” he questioned.

Praise for Pakistan’s Talent, Criticism for PCB

Although critical of the PCB, Gillespie praised the immense talent within the Pakistan team, stating that the players had great potential to succeed on the global stage.

The decision not to renew Tim Nielsen’s contract was another point of contention for Gillespie. Nielsen, appointed in August 2024, was informed his services were no longer required after Pakistan’s tour of Australia, despite his efforts to continue contributing to the team.

Interim Coach Appointed

Following Gillespie’s departure, the PCB named former fast bowler Aqib Javed as interim head coach. Javed will lead Pakistan in their upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to take place from December 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025, in Centurion and Cape Town.

Gillespie’s exit has left questions about the PCB’s management practices and the future stability of the coaching setup within Pakistan cricket.