Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @Jason_Gillespie
Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie is evaluating his position after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted not to renew assistant coach Tim Nielsen‘s contract for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.
Nielsen, appointed in August as the “high-performance red-ball coach,” had his contract expire after Pakistan’s tour of Australia. Although he was expecting a decision on an extension, the PCB informed him his services were no longer required. Nielsen told ESPNcricinfo he believed he was “making good progress” with the team and was committed to the Test series against South Africa and West Indies.
It is reported that the PCB did not consult Gillespie before making the decision, leaving him frustrated and feeling undermined. This incident adds to Gillespie’s growing dissatisfaction, as his role has been steadily diminished over recent months. In October, he was removed from the Test selection panel and described his responsibilities as being reduced to a “matchday strategist.”
Gillespie has publicly praised Nielsen‘s rapport with the players, which he considered an asset to the team. Both Gillespie and Nielsen suspect the latter’s non-residency in Pakistan was a factor in the PCB’s decision, despite Nielsen being available for the upcoming tours.
The PCB has yet to announce a replacement for Nielsen but has shown a preference for appointing Pakistan-based coaches. This aligns with past dissatisfaction with overseas coaches, including Gary Kirsten, who resigned in October over similar concerns.
Relations between Gillespie and the PCB have been strained further by a series of decisions, including the board’s earlier request for him to take on an interim role as white-ball coach without a financial adjustment to his contract. Aqib Javed, a selection panel member, was instead appointed to that role, intensifying tensions.
While Gillespie has not ruled out resigning before the South Africa series, the terms of his departure remain critical. If terminated by the PCB, Gillespie could receive most of the payout remaining on his contract, which runs until mid-2026. However, resigning would significantly reduce that amount.
The PCB has maintained that Gillespie will oversee the two-Test series against South Africa, starting on December 26 in Centurion, followed by the second Test in Cape Town on January 3. However, the board has not committed to him completing his contract, leaving his long-term future uncertain.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
