Jason Gillespie Returns to Pakistan Cricket as Hyderabad PSL Head Coach
In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, former Australian all-rounder Jason Gillespie has been appointed as the head coach of the newly formed Hyderabad franchise in the Pakistan Super League. The 50-year-old cricket veteran will make his return to Pakistani cricket in this fresh capacity, marking his first involvement since his abrupt departure from the national team setup in December 2024.
Building Hyderabad Squad from Ground Up
Gillespie faces the exciting challenge of constructing the Hyderabad team completely from scratch, beginning with the crucial PSL auction scheduled for February 11. Following the auction, he will lead the franchise throughout the 2026 season, which commences on March 26. Hyderabad represents one of two new franchises introduced for the upcoming PSL edition, with a Sialkot-based team being the other addition to the league's expanding roster.
Controversial Exit from Pakistan National Team
This appointment comes just months after Gillespie's sudden resignation as head coach of the Pakistan Test team, which occurred mere days before the South Africa series in December 2024. His unexpected departure at that time generated considerable speculation and prompted multiple public statements from the former fast bowling legend.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Gillespie took to social media platform X to share his excitement. "Beyond excited to be part of the @KingsmenCricket family. So looking forward to being part of the Hyderabad team!" he posted, indicating his positive outlook toward this new chapter in his coaching career.
Unresolved Financial Dispute with PCB
However, Gillespie's return to Pakistan cricket comes against the backdrop of unresolved financial matters with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The Australian coach recently revealed that he continues to await payment for work completed during his tenure as Pakistan's red-ball coach. "Yeah, without going into the details, obviously still waiting on some remuneration from work that has been done... Admittedly, that has been a little bit disappointing but look, hopefully that can get sorted sooner rather than later," Gillespie stated in an Instagram post.
The PCB responded swiftly and firmly to these allegations, issuing an official statement that contradicted Gillespie's claims. "The Pakistan Cricket Board refutes claims made by a former head coach on the non-payment of his dues," declared the PCB spokesperson, who further clarified that Gillespie had departed without fulfilling a mandatory four-month notice period.
Reasons Behind National Team Resignation
Earlier, Gillespie had elaborated on the circumstances that led to his resignation from the Pakistan national team position. He identified the removal of high-performance coach Tim Nielsen as a primary factor influencing his decision. "I was completely and utterly blindsided by a decision to not have a high-performance coach," Gillespie explained to ABC Sport, emphasizing that inadequate communication from cricket authorities had significantly complicated his coaching responsibilities.
The appointment represents a fresh start for both Gillespie and the Hyderabad franchise, though it occurs amidst lingering controversies from his previous engagement with Pakistan cricket. As the PSL continues to expand with new franchises, Gillespie's experience and coaching acumen will be crucial in establishing Hyderabad as a competitive force in the tournament.
