"Utterly Blindsided": Jason Gillespie Reveals Real Reason Behind Decision To Quit As Pakistan Coach

Jason Gillespie has revealed he had no clear communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the playing eleven before a matchday and added his role as their red-ball coach had reduced to him hitting catches. Gillespie, the former Australia fast bowler, took over as Pakistan's red-ball coach in April for a two-year deal and led the side to a 2-1 series victory at home over England in October. But Gillespie resigned from his role last week ahead of Pakistan's Test series in South Africa. Aqib Javed has now been named as the interim Test coach of Pakistan and also handles white-ball duties after Gary Kirsten exited from the role in October.

"I felt I was basically hitting catches, and that was about it on the morning of a game."

"You want to be able to have clear communication with all stakeholders, with selectors, for instance, knowing what the team is as head coach well before the game, or at least the day before the game," said Gillespie on ABC Grandstand show during the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba.

He also said the communication between him and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was not clear, while the sacking of high-performance coach Tim Neilsen and his reduced role, including not having a say in the selection committee, ultimately led to him stepping down from his role.

“I went into the job eyes wide open, I want to make that really clear. I knew that Pakistan had cycled through a number of coaches in a pretty short space of time, but I put my case forward and explained how I felt I could help.”

“You want to create an environment where players are relaxed but focused and get out and do the job and give them the freedom to go out and play the game. I felt that in the red ball, in the