`Owes PCB four months` salary`: Contract breach at core of Gillespie-PCB fallout

Former Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie found himself embroiled in a controversy with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over pending salary dues. Gillespie, the former Australian pacer, recently claimed that the PCB still owes him part of his salary from his nine-month tenure with the team. However, the PCB has firmly denied the allegations, stating instead that it is Gillespie who owes money to the board.

Gillespie was appointed as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team in April 2024, but his stint came to an abrupt end in December last year. He cited irreconcilable differences with the board as the reason for his resignation. In a recent interview with Geo Super, Gillespie disclosed that he has yet to receive the complete payment for the duration of his contract. “I’m still waiting for some of my payment for the nine months I worked with the team,” he said.

Adding to the dispute, reports suggest that Gillespie’s agent had contacted the PCB’s Human Resources department, formally requesting that the remaining salary be cleared. The PCB, however, issued a strong rebuttal. According to the board, Gillespie voluntarily stepped down from his role, and under the terms of his contract, this entitles the PCB to a penalty payment.

“As per the contract, if PCB had terminated Jason Gillespie’s services, we would have been liable to pay him four months’ salary. But if he resigned, he was required to give prior notice and pay four months’ salary to the board. Since Gillespie himself withdrew from the role, he is the one who owes PCB four months’ salary. Therefore, his claim of unpaid dues is incorrect,” a PCB spokesperson told Cricket Pakistan.

Gillespie, who signed a contract that was originally set to run until 2026, stepped down just before Pakistan’s scheduled tour of South Africa. According to him, the abrupt dismissal of his assistant coach without any explanation was the final straw.

Describing his time in Pakistan as `draining and disappointing`, Gillespie revealed that the experience left such a bitter taste that he has lost interest in coaching altogether, adding, “Even if Australia were to offer me a coaching role today, I`d politely decline, I`m simply not interested right now.”