Jason Gillespie has revealed the reasons behind his resignation as Pakistan’s red-ball coach, stating he felt “completely and utterly blindsided” by decisions made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) leading to his departure.

The Australian coach stepped down just over a year into his contract, opting not to join the squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa due to frustrations with the PCB.

In an interview with ABC Radio, Gillespie highlighted that the turning point for him was the PCB’s decision not to renew the contract of assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a move he was unaware of.

“As a head coach, you like to have clear communication with your employer,” he said, emphasizing his disappointment over the lack of consultation regarding Nielsen’s dismissal.

Gillespie, who had built a strong relationship with Test captain Shan Masood, expressed frustration over the lack of support and communication from the PCB, questioning whether they wanted him to continue in his role.

Despite achieving notable success on the field, including a Test series win against England, Gillespie’s responsibilities had diminished significantly over time.

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He noted that after a disappointing performance against Bangladesh, he was removed from the selection panel and relegated to minimal tasks, which contributed to his decision to resign.

Gillespie’s departure follows that of former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, who left for similar reasons.

Currently, Gillespie is focusing on his future, while the PCB seeks to fill the coaching vacancy amidst ongoing challenges in Pakistan cricket.