Pakistan cricket has suffered another major setback as Test team head coach Jason Gillespie has resigned. According to a report by Cricbuzz, Gillespie submitted his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) just hours before the team’s scheduled departure to South Africa for a two-match Test series.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed the resignation, stating, “Gillespie has resigned.” Following this unexpected development, the PCB appointed Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach. “After Jason Gillespie’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board has named Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach,” the PCB announced in an official statement on Thursday night.

Reports suggest Gillespie’s decision was prompted by the PCB’s refusal to renew assistant coach Tim Nielsen’s contract. Gillespie and Nielsen were known for their strong coaching partnership, which contributed to the team’s recent successes.

Previously, Aqib Javed had served as the interim white-ball head coach after Gary Kirsten’s departure. He is currently with the Pakistan white-ball team in South Africa for a series comprising three T20Is and three ODIs.

The two-match Test series will commence on December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the second Test scheduled from January 3 to 7 at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.