Revealed: Why Jason Gillespie resigned as Pakistan head coach days ahead of South Africa Tests?

Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie resigned as Pakistan's national red-ball coach just days before the Test series against South Africa in away conditions. According to recent reports, Gillespie's dissatisfaction began when he was excluded from the selection committee of the national cricket team.

Gillespie has resigned from his role after seven months. Earlier, it was reported that his decision was influenced by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) refusal to renew assistant coach Tim Nielsen's contract. Gillespie declined to travel to South Africa with the squad for the two-match Test series.

Pakistan Cricket Board Names Aaqib Javed as Interim Red-Ball Head Coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed Jason Gillespie's resignation as head coach. Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed has been appointed as the interim red-ball head coach. Aaqib, who also replaced Gary Kirsten as interim white-ball coach, will oversee the upcoming two-match Test series in South Africa.

“The PCB has named former Pakistan paceman Aaqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach following the resignation of Gillespie,” a PCB statement said.

Pakistan's white-ball squad is in South Africa for a T20 and ODI series. Following the white-ball series, the first Test match is scheduled to begin on December 26 in Centurion. The second Test will be held in Cape Town from January 3-7.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Declined Jason Gillespie's Demand

According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, Jason Gillespie’s dissatisfaction began when he was excluded from the selection committee. He also expressed a desire to take charge as the head coach for both formats and requested a salary increase, which was denied by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The PCB also asked Gillespie to spend more time in Pakistan, a condition he was unwilling to accept. White-ball coach Gary Kirsten reportedly had similar concerns and refused to stay in Pakistan outside of series commitments.

"Gillespie’s dissatisfaction began when he was excluded from the selection committee. He also expressed a desire to take charge as the head coach for both formats and requested a salary increase. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi declined his demand for a pay raise," Cricket Pakistan reported.

"Sources further reveal that PCB had asked Gillespie to spend more time in Pakistan, a condition he was unwilling to accept," the report added.

It Wasn’t What I Signed Up For - Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie was removed from the selection panel after the team suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in September and a heavy defeat to England in the first Test a month later. However, Pakistan bounced back and won the next two Tests to secure a 2-1 series win on spin-friendly pitches.

Gillespie expressed his frustration with the situation, admitting that it wasn't what he had signed up for during an interview with Sky Sports.

“I think there’s always frustrations from time to time. It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest,” Gillespie said, in an interview with Sky Sports during the second England Test.

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