‘A lot has changed’, Jason Gillespie expresses frustrations over reduced role as Pakistan head coach

Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has admitted to feeling “frustrated from time to time” over the reduced scope of his job, particularly following the recent changes in the selection panel. Gillespie, who was removed from the selection panel alongside captain Shan Masood, expressed that his current role “wasn’t what he signed up for” but that he was committed to adapting to the situation.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Gillespie acknowledged the challenges he has faced since taking on the role.

“I think there’s always frustrations from time to time. 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’s spot on. I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren’t done how you would like,” Gillespie said.

The former Australian legend had initially envisioned a more significant role in shaping the team’s direction. However, the recent changes in the selection panel have limited his influence.

“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, improve. So I’ve put all my focus and energy into that,” he said.

The decision to remove Gillespie and Masood from the selection process came after Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test against England. The reshuffle brought the number of selectors working with the team to over two dozen since 2021. He noted that he and Masood were not consulted for the second Test squad or the pitch preparation, underscoring the lack of clarity around his role.

“A lot’s changed. Since I’ve been involved, we’re already on our third selection panel. These are the things you just got to take it all in your stride and 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,” he said.

“But I want to make it really clear that everyone in Pakistan wants what’s best and there’s a lot of very passionate people here. That’s driving me to continue to help the players, and it’s been a great experience so far working with them. I really excited about what the future holds and as a coach,” he added.

The former right-arm pacer also acknowledged the cultural differences in how cricket is managed in Pakistan compared to his native Australia.

“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 to 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,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, Gillespie’s rapport with the players has remained strong. He praised Shan Masood as “the epitome of calm” and said protecting the players is his primary responsibility. He also called on former Pakistan players to be mindful of their criticism, as it can deeply affect the current squad.

“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,” Gillespie said.

“A lot of former players have their own space on social media, YouTube, whatever, and they’re paid to have an opinion. One thing that I have noticed here is that the players notice everything and if they get some positive feedback from former players they idolised as kids, that goes a long way when they get some positive reinforcement. But it can have the opposite effect, too if there’s a lot of criticism of by those former players,” he concluded.