Gillespie joined the Pakistan Test team as head coach for two years in April 2024.
Gillespie, who joined the Pakistan team for two years in April 2024, was recently removed from the selection panel by the PCB after the national side suffered an innings and 47 runs defeat at the hands of England in the opening Test in Multan.
“I think there’s always frustrations from time to time. For me, when I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan, and we need to make sure our communication is spot on. I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren’t done how you would like,” Gillespie told Sky Sports.
“It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest. But this is one of those situations in which you just need to go with the flow. As I said, I’m in a different environment and things are done differently. One can agree or disagree with how things are done, but ultimately I’m here to help the Pakistan team do well, help the players get better, and improve. So I’ve put all my focus and energy into that,” he added.
Gillespie also explained how difficult it is to work in Pakistan cricket, highlighting that the selection panel has been overhauled thrice since his arrival.
“A lot’s changed. Since I’ve been involved, we’re already on our third selection panel. These are the things you just have to take it all in your stride understand that we’re in a different environment and go with the flow. I ask a lot of questions and ask for clarity, which as head coach I’m well within my rights to ask,” he said.
“Lots of things change in Pakistan at the drop of a hat. You just sort of take that in your stride and understand that this is the environment you’re in. I’ve got to always remember that I’m a foreigner in Pakistan and I’ve got to respect that and that things are probably done differently from what I’m used to or what I expect in the environment I’ve come from in Australia. So not saying one way is the right way or the wrong way or whatever, it’s just different and you just have to adjust and adapt,” he further remarked.
Despite all the challenges, the former Australian pacer is determined to create an environment where players can trust each other and feel safe.
“I’m very protective of players and very protective of staff I work with and just want to make sure that the environment that we’re trying to create is a safe space for everyone and if that gets eroded then that can lead to a bit of frustration,” he stated.