File photo of the Pakistani cricket team© AFP
Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie is reportedly reconsidering his options after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to renew assistant coach Tim Nielsen's contract for the upcoming Test series in South Africa. Nielsen, who was appointed as high-performance red-ball coach in August, was awaiting a contract extension after Pakistan's tour of Australia. Despite his involvement in the South Africa and West Indies series, Nielsen was told his services were no longer required, ESPNcricinfo reported.
Gillespie was not consulted about the decision to let Nielsen go, which has led to great frustration. His dissatisfaction is compounded by the fact that the PCB previously removed him from the selection committee in October, reducing his role to a “matchday strategist”. He has also expressed disappointment in Nielsen's relationship with players not being considered in the decision.
The PCB is increasingly leaning towards appointing local coaches, with the limited time spent by foreign coaches in Pakistan being a major concern. This reasoning was similarly applied when former head coach Gary Kirsten resigned in October.
Although Gillespie will travel to South Africa on December 13, speculation about his future continues. If the PCB terminates his contract, he may owe him a significant payout as the contract expires in mid-2026. However, Gillespie's dismissal would significantly reduce the severance package. The PCB has yet to finalize Nielsen's replacement or comment publicly on Gillespie's future.
Last month, PCB denied reports of Gillespie's departure and confirmed that he will 'continue to coach the Pakistan squad for the two red-ball matches against South Africa'.
However, the following day, PCB appointed Aaqib Javed as Pakistan's interim white ball head coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy. PCB added that Aaqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men's national selection committee during this tenure, and that upon completion of the eight-team tournament will have additional responsibilities.
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