Jason Gillespie has resigned as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, leaving just two weeks before the two-Test series in South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the resignation on Friday, marking a significant blow to the team’s preparations.
Gillespie’s decision comes just months after his appointment in April on a two-year contract. This unexpected move follows the resignation of Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, who stepped down in late October due to similar concerns.
To address the sudden vacancy, the PCB has appointed former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach. He now faces the immediate challenge of preparing the team for a high-stakes series.
Several factors contributed to Jason Gillespie departure. Reports suggest he grew frustrated after the PCB refused to renew the contract of high-performance red-ball coach Tim Nielsen. Additionally, the PCB removed Gillespie from the selection panel in October, following Pakistan’s disappointing performances.
The team’s struggles earlier this year intensified tensions. Pakistan suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in September and endured an innings defeat in the first Test against England in October. These setbacks likely influenced the PCB’s decision to limit Gillespie’s role in team selection, further straining relations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s white-ball squad continues its tour of South Africa, competing in a three-match T20 series and three ODIs. The red-ball team, however, must quickly adapt to new leadership under Javed before the Test series begins.
These back-to-back coaching resignations highlight deeper challenges within Pakistan cricket. The exits of both Gillespie and Kirsten raise concerns about the PCB’s ability to manage foreign coaches and maintain stability in its coaching structure.
Despite the disruption, the focus remains on regrouping and delivering strong performances in South Africa. With the Test series fast approaching, Pakistan’s red-ball team must quickly find its footing under interim leadership and prove its resilience on the field.
