‘PCB insulted me, I felt humiliated’:Jason Gillespie breaks silence on stepping down as Pakistan’s bowling coach in 9 months

Former Australian fast bowler and coach Jason Gillespie has spoken openly about his decision to resign as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s Test cricket team. Gillespie stepped down from the role in December 2024, less than nine months after taking charge, citing dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the manner in which he was treated. Gillespie made it clear that his exit was not linked to Pakistan’s on-field performance. Instead, he said the decision was driven by internal issues within the PCB and certain decisions that left him feeling humiliated both professionally and personally. The former Australian pacer was appointed as Pakistan’s Test coach in April 2024. Still, his tenure ended abruptly before the end of the year, adding to a growing list of coaching changes in Pakistan cricket. Jason Gillespie breaks his silence on PCB’s decision During a question-and-answer session on social media platform X, Jason Gillespie shared details about the events that led to his resignation. He revealed that some decisions taken by the PCB crossed a line for him as head coach. Gillespie wrote, “I was the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team and PCB removed our senior assistant coach without informing me. As head coach, this was completely unacceptable to me. There were many other issues as well that made me feel disrespected.” He explained that such actions showed a lack of trust and communication from the board. According to Gillespie, being left out of major decisions made it impossible for him to continue in the role with self-respect. ‘Not about results, but respect’ – Jason Gillespie Gillespie stressed that his resignation had nothing to do with Pakistan’s results on the field. He said, “I was committed to the team and the job, but the working environment created by the board forced me to step away.” He pointed out that the internal functioning and attitude of the PCB made it difficult for him to do his job effectively. The former coach said, “When key decisions are taken without involving the head coach, it damages the entire coaching structure.” His comments have once again raised questions about governance and decision-making within Pakistan cricket. Gary Kirsten’s exit highlights larger issues Gillespie’s resignation was not an isolated case. Earlier in 2024, Pakistan’s limited-overs head coach Gary Kirsten also stepped down after just six months in charge. In October 2024, Kirsten resigned after the PCB took away selection authority from captains and head coaches. This move reportedly caused frustration among the coaching staff, as it reduced their role in team planning and strategy. Kirsten’s exit, followed by Gillespie’s resignation, highlights ongoing instability in Pakistan’s coaching setup. Short Tenure raises big questions for PCB Jason Gillespie served as Pakistan’s Test coach from April 2024 to December 2024. His public comments have sparked debate among fans and experts, with many questioning the PCB’s handling of senior coaching appointments.