Jason Gillespie steps down as Pakistan Test coach

Former Australian pacer, Jason Gillespie, has stepped down from his role as Pakistan's Test coach.

Gillespie’s resignation followed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s decision not to renew the contract of his assistant, Tim Nielson, which reportedly upset the former coach.

"Yes, he (Gillespie) resigned," a well-placed source told Nukta.

Gillespie was not informed in advance that he would no longer have his assistant accompanying him during the South Africa tour, a situation that left him highly dissatisfied.

According to sources, he has already submitted his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His authority had been steadily diminished over recent months.

Gillespie had signed a two-year contract with the PCB earlier this year to coach the red-ball team. Under his guidance, Pakistan had mixed results, including a historic series loss to Bangladesh but a dramatic comeback series victory against England at home. However, Gillespie had been frustrated with the PCB for excluding him from key decisions, especially during the home series against England.

In October, Gillespie was removed from the Test team’s selection panel and reduced to a “matchday strategist” role. He also stepped in as an interim white-ball coach during Pakistan’s series against Australia, following Gary Kirsten’s resignation as the white-ball coach in October.

Speculation about Gillespie's future had been circulating for weeks. The PCB issued a statement denying his immediate dismissal and confirmed he would coach the team for the two-Test series against South Africa but refrained from committing to the remainder of his contract.

Aaqib Javed named interim coach

Meanwhile, the PCB has appointed Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach for the red-ball team following Gillespie's resignation from the role. Aaqib, who is already serving as the interim white-ball head coach until the Champions Trophy, will now take on responsibilities for both formats.

His first task as red-ball head coach will be overseeing Pakistan's two-match Test series against South Africa during the ongoing all-format tour.

The series begins with first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26 to 30, followed by the second Test at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.