Jason Gillespie reveals PCB humiliation: "They sacked my assistant coach with zero communication"
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has revealed the humiliating circumstances that led to his resignation as Pakistan’s Test coach in 2024, alleging that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked his senior assistant coach without any communication with him as head coach. Gillespie made the revelation during a Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter), where he didn’t mince words about his treatment by the PCB.
“I was completely humiliated by the PCB”
When asked by an X user why he decided to leave the Pakistan team, Gillespie explained that the PCB’s decision to sack his senior assistant coach without informing him was the final straw.
“I was coaching the Pakistan Test side. The PCB sacked our senior assistant coach with ZERO communication with me about it—as Head Coach, I found this situation completely unacceptable. There were a number of other issues that left me completely humiliated,” Gillespie wrote in his reply.
The former Australia pacer’s candid response highlighted the lack of respect and communication from the PCB, which made his position untenable and ultimately led to his resignation.
PCB chairman skipped “Connection Camp” despite living in Lahore
Gillespie had previously criticized PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his absence from a “Connection Camp” designed to strengthen relationships within the Pakistan cricket team. The camp was the brainchild of former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, and both Gillespie and Kirsten made significant efforts to attend.
“Gary (Kirsten) came up with this great idea of a connection camp. Everyone in the Pakistani cricket team basically shared their experiences in that meeting. I flew in from Australia, Gary flew in from South Africa, the Chairman Mohsin Naqvi dialed in on Zoom,” Gillespie said.
“He is based in Lahore, but he did not come, while Gary came in from Africa. We both felt that the Chairman could not even drive 20 minutes to come here—that was a bit unusual,” he added.
Gillespie and Kirsten’s frustration was palpable: they had flown in from Australia and South Africa, respectively, while Naqvi—who was based just 20 minutes away in Lahore—only joined the session virtually. The incident underscored what Gillespie and Kirsten perceived as a lack of commitment and respect from the PCB leadership.
Pakistan’s revolving door of coaches continues
Gillespie’s departure is part of a broader pattern of instability within Pakistan cricket. The PCB has been playing musical chairs with coaches, mentors, and selectors, leading to constant disruption and a lack of continuity.
Not much has changed since Gillespie’s exit. A recent PTI report claimed that Pakistan has also let go of Azhar Mahmood as Test coach, despite three months remaining in his contract—yet another example of the PCB’s erratic decision-making.
Gary Kirsten, who was appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, also parted ways with the team shortly after Gillespie’s departure, citing similar frustrations with the PCB’s management.
A pattern of dysfunction
The constant changes in Pakistan’s backroom staff have raised serious questions about the PCB’s governance and decision-making processes. Players and coaches alike have struggled to find stability, and the lack of communication and respect shown to high-profile coaches like Gillespie and Kirsten has damaged the board’s reputation internationally.
As Pakistan continue to search for a winning formula, the dysfunction within the PCB remains a significant obstacle to sustained success on the field.