In a move that’s sure to spark debate, former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie, who once publicly accused the PCB of unpaid dues, is now stepping into a brand-new role with a Pakistan Super League franchise. But here’s where it gets controversial: just months after his tumultuous exit from the national team, Gillespie is back in Pakistan cricket—this time as the head coach of the newly formed Hyderabad franchise. Could this be a fresh start, or is it a recipe for more drama? Let’s dive in.
The 50-year-old Australian all-rounder-turned-coach will have his hands full as he builds the Hyderabad squad from the ground up at the PSL auction on February 11. His mission? To lead the team into the 2026 season, kicking off on March 26. Hyderabad is one of two new franchises joining the league this year, alongside a Sialkot-based team. This marks Gillespie’s first return to Pakistan cricket since his abrupt resignation as the Test team’s head coach in December 2024, just days before the South Africa series. At the time, his departure raised more than a few eyebrows and led to a series of candid public statements from the former fast bowler.
Gillespie couldn’t contain his excitement about the new role, taking to social media to share his enthusiasm. “Beyond excited to be part of the @KingsmenCricket family. So looking forward to being part of the Hyderabad team!” he posted on X. But this reunion isn’t without its complexities. Gillespie previously accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of failing to clear outstanding payments for his work as Pakistan’s red-ball coach. “Yeah, without going into the details, I’m still waiting on some remuneration for work that’s been done,” he revealed on Instagram, adding, “It’s been a bit disappointing, but hopefully, it can be resolved soon.”
The PCB, however, fired back with a strong denial. A spokesperson stated, “The PCB refutes claims made by a former head coach regarding unpaid dues,” and pointed out that Gillespie left without serving the required four-month notice period. And this is the part most people miss: Gillespie’s resignation wasn’t just about money. He cited the sudden removal of high-performance coach Tim Nielsen as a major factor, telling ABC Sport, “I was completely blindsided by the decision to not have a high-performance coach. Poor communication made my role incredibly difficult.”
So, here’s the big question: Is Gillespie’s return a sign of reconciliation, or is it setting the stage for more friction? Does his new role with Hyderabad signal a fresh chapter, or will old grievances resurface? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one story that’s far from over.
