LAHORE  -  Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, has declined to travel to South Africa for the upcoming two-match Test series, citing personal reasons, according to sources. The decision comes amid brewing tensions within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and significant changes in the coaching structure.

Gillespie, who was expected to arrive in South Africa to oversee a specialized red-ball training camp, reportedly made his decision after the PCB opted not to renew the contract of assistant red-ball coach Tim Nielsen. The camp was designed to help players acclimatize to South African conditions, but Gillespie’s absence has left a leadership gap in Pakistan’s Test coaching staff.

The sources close to the development have revealed that Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach, is being considered as a potential replacement for Gillespie in the red-ball setup. Gillespie’s relationship with the PCB has grown strained following a series of administrative decisions. In October, he was removed from the Test team’s selection panel, with his responsibilities limited to match-day strategy. This demotion, coupled with minimal communication from the PCB since Pakistan’s white-ball series in Australia, has reportedly left Gillespie disillusioned.

The non-renewal of Tim Nielsen’s contract has further added to the friction. Nielsen, who joined the team as a high-performance red-ball coach in August, was widely regarded for his strong rapport with the players. Despite his optimism for a contract extension, the PCB decided to part ways, in line with their strategy of prioritizing locally-based coaching staff.

This decision echoes past criticisms of overseas coaches, who the PCB claims spend insufficient time in Pakistan — a factor cited in the resignation of former head coach Gary Kirsten earlier this year. Gillespie, however, has consistently defended his commitment to fulfilling his contractual obligations, which extend until mid-2026.

Gillespie’s potential departure, whether voluntary or enforced, could have significant financial repercussions for the PCB. The former Australian pacer’s current deal includes substantial severance clauses, which may pose a burden on the board’s resources.The PCB’s decision to restructure its coaching staff and emphasize local talent has sparked debate about the long-term impact on team performance, particularly in challenging overseas tours like South Africa.