Jason Gillespie reveals reasons behind resignation as Pakistan’s red-ball coach

Former Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie has opened up about the reasons behind his resignation as the red-ball head coach of Pakistan’s national cricket team.

In a recent interview with Australian media, Gillespie explained that a lack of communication regarding key decisions, including the non-retention of High-Performance Coach Tim Nielsen, ultimately led to his decision to step down.

“I was completely unaware of the decision not to retain Tim Nielsen,” Gillespie shared.

He expressed disappointment over not being informed about such a significant coaching decision, which prompted him to question his own role within the team. “This situation, along with past incidents, made me question whether I was truly needed.”

Gillespie also cited concerns about the diminishing purpose of his position within Pakistan’s cricket setup, noting that his role had become reduced to basic tasks, such as giving catching practice to players on match mornings.

“The purpose of my coaching stint in Pakistan was fading away,” he explained.

A key issue for Gillespie was the lack of communication and coordination within the team’s management. He emphasized the importance of keeping the head coach informed, particularly regarding squad selections and planning.

“It is essential for a head coach to maintain full communication with selectors and everyone else,” he said, adding that he needed to be aware of squad decisions at least a day in advance to effectively plan.

The former coach also revealed that important decisions, such as changes to the selection committee, were not communicated to him in a timely manner.

He discovered the formation of a new selection committee via a group text message after the first match of the England Test series. “No one discussed the selection committee issue with me,” he noted.

One of the most controversial decisions made by the new selection committee was the dropping of Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam during the England Test series. Gillespie viewed this move as indicative of the lack of coordination within the team’s management.

Gillespie, who was appointed as the red-ball head coach of Pakistan in April 2024, resigned after expressing his frustration with the growing disarray within the team’s management and coaching setup.