‘Frustrated’ Jason Gillespie exposes internal dynamics of Pakistan Cricket Board: ‘It wasn’t what I signed up for’

Jason Gillespie, who joined the Pakistan cricket team as Test head coach for two years only in April 2024, is already “frustrated” just a few months into his role and said that things are far from what he “signed up for”.

Gillespie was recently removed from the selection panel by the Pakistan Cricket Board after the home team suffered
an innings and 47 runs loss to England in the first Multan Test.

Gilespie still wants to help Pak cricket

“I think there’s always frustrations from time to time,” Gillespie told Sky Sports. “For me, when I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan, and we need to make sure our communication is spot on. I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren’t done how you would like.

“It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest. But this is one of those situations in which you just need to go with the flow. As I said, I’m in a different environment and things are done differently. One can agree or disagree with how things are done, but ultimately I’m here to help the Pakistan team do well, help the players get better, and improve. So I’ve put all my focus and energy into that,” Gillespie added.

‘Things are done differently from what I’m used to’

Gillespie also elaborated on how difficult it is to work in Pakistan cricket as he reflected on overhaul in the selection panel for the third time since his arrival and the tendency to make changes “at the drop of a hat”.

“A lot’s changed. Since I’ve been involved, we’re already on our third selection panel. These are the things you just have to take it all in your stride understand that we’re in a different environment and go with the flow. I ask a lot of questions and ask for clarity, which as head coach I’m well within my rights to ask,” the 49-year-old said.

“Lots of things change in Pakistan at the drop of a hat. You just sort of take that in your stride and understand that this is the environment you’re in. I’ve got to always remember that I’m a foreigner in Pakistan and I’ve got to respect that and that things are probably done differently from what I’m used to or what I expect in the environment I’ve come from in Australia. So not saying one way is the right way or the wrong way or whatever, it’s just different and you just have to adjust and adapt.”

Despite all the challenges, Gillespie is determined to foster an environment where players can trust each other and feel safe.

“I’m very protective of players and very protective of staff I work with and just want to make sure that the environment that we’re trying to create is a safe space for everyone and if that gets eroded then that can lead to a bit of frustration,” the former Australia pacer said.