Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie alleges PCB of not clearing payment

Former Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie has taken a firm stand against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing the governing body of failing to pay his dues months after his departure. The matter has stirred considerable debate, with both parties presenting conflicting accounts of the situation.

Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast bowler and World Cup 2003 winner, was appointed as Pakistan’s Test coach in April 2024 under a two-year contract. The appointment had raised hopes for a revival in the team’s red-ball fortunes. However, after just six months at the helm, Gillespie stepped down from the role, citing internal challenges and a lack of alignment with the board's direction.

His sudden resignation, though surprising, seemed amicable at the time. However, recent revelations indicate otherwise, with Gillespie voicing frustration over unpaid dues.

Jason Gillespie speaks out about pending payment from PCB

In a recent interview with a Pakistani news outlet, Gillespie revealed his ongoing struggle to receive pending payments from the PCB.

"Yeah, without going into the details, obviously still waiting on some remuneration for work that has been done," said Gillespie. "Admittedly, that has been a little bit disappointing, but look, hopefully that can get sorted sooner rather than later."

The 50-year-old did not elaborate on the exact amount owed or the specifics of the payment dispute but made it clear that the situation had left him disillusioned with the PCB’s professional conduct.

PCB denies Gillespie's claims

In response to Gillespie's claims, the PCB issued a formal statement strongly denying any wrongdoing. The board insisted that Gillespie had breached his contract by failing to serve the mandatory four-month notice period.

The Pakistan Cricket Board refutes claims made by a former head coach on the non-payment of his dues," the statement read. "The former head coach abruptly left his position without giving a four-month notice period, which was a clear breach of the contractual terms. The coaching contract explicitly mentioned a notice period applicable to both parties, and the coach was fully aware of it."

The PCB’s position suggests that any pending payment may be withheld as per the terms of the breached agreement.

The standoff between Gillespie and the PCB raises questions about the board’s handling of foreign appointments and contractual obligations. Gillespie’s criticism adds to a list of foreign professionals who have expressed dissatisfaction with the PCB’s administrative practices over the years.