Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has advised Mike Hesson to trust his instincts and stand by his principles as he takes charge of Pakistan’s red-ball setup.
Gillespie stepped down as Pakistan’s Test coach in December 2024 after an eight-month stint. He offered the advice ahead of Hesson’s first Test in charge after the PCB brought him into the red-ball setup during Pakistan’s ongoing tour of England.
“My advice to Mike would be: trust your instincts and don’t be a yes man,” Gillespie said, as quoted by The Telegraph.
“I know him, he’s a great guy and I think he’s an excellent coach. I hope he just doesn’t get caught up in all this mess just because he’s happy to accept a pay cheque.”
Pakistan Undergoes Major Overhaul
Hesson has taken charge during another period of upheaval in Pakistan cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests of the ongoing series.
The board sent seven players home and parted ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
As a result, Hesson now faces the challenge of leading a revamped squad in the final Test of the series.
Gillespie Recalls His Experience
Gillespie said his own experience with the PCB shaped his warning to Hesson.
The former Australia fast bowler described his time with Pakistan cricket as deeply frustrating. He also said the experience damaged his confidence.
According to Gillespie, his role changed significantly after Aaqib Javed became chairman of selectors.
“When I came on board, they wanted to revive fast bowling in Pakistan, they wanted to prepare pitches that had a bit of bounce and carry, and I thought that would be cool,” Gillespie said.
Initially, Gillespie said he had responsibility for the Test side, players, staff and selection.
However, he claimed Aaqib’s appointment “fundamentally altered the landscape” and reduced his influence over the team.
“I went from looking after the Test side, managing that and looking after the players and the staff and having a role in selection to then absolutely no role in anything,” he said.
Gillespie Accuses Aaqib of Undermining Him
Gillespie also accused Aaqib of undermining his position within the team setup.
He said the experience left him deflated and affected him mentally. At one point, he even questioned whether he wanted to continue coaching.
The former coach believes Hesson could face similar challenges if he does not remain firm in his approach.
That is why Gillespie urged him to trust his coaching instincts rather than simply agree with decisions made around him.
Ex-Coach Claims PCB Still Owes Him Money
Gillespie also claimed that the PCB still owes him “thousands of dollars” nearly two years after his departure.
“The PCB still owes me thousands of dollars, but I was never going to be a yes man,” he said.
“I wasn’t going to compromise on my principles. I never have throughout my career and I certainly wasn’t going to change.”
Gillespie said he could have stayed quiet, agreed with everything and collected his salary. However, he insisted that such an approach did not reflect his character.
“I could have stayed quiet, agreed to everything and taken home my salary, but that’s not me,” he said.
He added that part of him already expected to lose his job within a couple of months.
PCB Dispute Over Contract
Reports in April 2025 said Gillespie believed the PCB owed him money.
The board, however, maintained that he had breached his contract by resigning without serving the required notice period.
Gillespie’s latest comments highlight the difficulties Hesson faces as he begins his tenure with Pakistan’s red-ball team.
