Pakistan head coach refuses to travel for SA vs PAK 2024 Tests in fresh PCB controversy - Reports
Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has taken a strong stance against the Mohsin Naqvi-led cricket board by refusing to travel with the squad for the Test series against South Africa. The Australian coach is unhappy with PCB's recent decision to let go of assistant coach Tim Nielsen.
Gillespie had expressed frustration over his role after he was reduced to a 'match-day strategist' after being removed from the selection committee. It came as a part of the revamp midway through the home series against England. He admitted that the change in role was not what he had signed up for.
Although the Men in Green completed a turnaround to win the three-match series against Ben Stokes and company, it did not alleviate Gillespie's plight. He was even touted to be replaced by Aaqib Javed, who took over from Gary Kirsten as white-ball coach.
However, the PCB had issued a statement where they backed the current red-ball coach for the South Africa Tests. But, no comment was made for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
According to a report by RevSportz, Gillespie has now refused to travel to South Africa for the two-match Test series, scheduled to begin from December 26 onwards. An earlier report by ESPN Cricinfo mentioned that Gillespie was not informed that assistant coach Nielsen's contract would not be renewed.
The former Australian bowler failed to understand the reasoning behind the decision as Nielsen had built a solid connection with the Pakistan players since taking charge in August.
Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie's current contract runs until April 2026
The PCB had roped in Jason Gillespie in April 2024 on a two-year contract after his exemplary work with South Australia in the domestic circuit. His reign began with a humiliating home whitewash series loss against Bangladesh as pressure began to mount on him and skipper Shan Masood.
Despite the series win over England, Pakistan are not in contention for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The current standoff between Gillespie and PCB is likely to head towards disaster, with a lot depending on who makes the final call.
Given that there is still a considerable amount of time remaining in the coach's contract, the PCB will have to pay off the remainder as compensation should they decide to dismiss him. On the other hand, if GIllespie decides to resign, then the payout sum would be a lot less.