The abrupt resignation of Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach has left cricket fans buzzing with questions. What really went on behind the scenes? New details shed light on the tensions that led to his decision, and they paint a picture of growing dissatisfaction between Gillespie and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
A Rift Over Roles and Pay
It seems Gillespie’s frustrations began when he was removed from the selection committee—a move that clipped his influence over the team. Sources suggest this wasn’t the only issue. Gillespie had reportedly requested a dual role, hoping to oversee both red-ball and white-ball formats after Gary Kirsten’s resignation. Alongside that, he sought a salary increase.
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PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, however, wasn’t on board. The pay raise request was declined, which reportedly added to Gillespie’s growing discontent.
The Staying-in-Pakistan Dilemma
One of the key sticking points was the PCB’s push for Jason Gillespie to spend more time in Pakistan, even outside of series commitments. This demand didn’t sit well with him. Interestingly, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten had voiced similar reservations before stepping down.
Both Gillespie and Kirsten had made it clear they preferred to fulfill their roles without being tied to Pakistan outside the cricketing calendar. This clash of expectations became another nail in the coaching coffin.
Support Staff and a Threat to Resign
Adding fuel to the fire was the PCB’s refusal to accommodate Gillespie’s preferred support staff. It’s believed that Gillespie had previously warned the board about resigning if his demands weren’t met. True to his word, he officially stepped down just days before Pakistan’s crucial Test series against South Africa.
In the interim, the PCB has turned to Aqib Javed, entrusting him with the red-ball coaching duties. Aqib’s appointment is seen as a practical solution, given his familiarity with the players and the system.
This isn’t the first high-profile resignation in recent months. Gary Kirsten also parted ways with the PCB before Pakistan’s tour of Australia. These back-to-back exits raise questions about the board’s relationship with its foreign coaching staff. Are the expectations from both sides misaligned?
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