Former Australian quick Jason Gillespie is mulling whether to stay on as coach of the Pakistan test side after his assistant Tim Nielsen's contract wasn't renewed.

The Kamilaroi man has been stuck in a form of contact limbo after Gary Kirsten stood down as white ball coach earlier this year, prompting Gillespie to take on both roles for no financial remuneration.

Nielsen, who had been appointed Pakistan's high-performance red-ball coach in August, has seen his contract run down.

The former teammate of Gillespie's at South Australia was said to be waiting to hear about a contract renewal after Pakistan's tour of Australia, telling ESPNcricinfo he felt he was "making good progress" with the team, however the PCB have said his services are no longer required.

It is understood the PCB didn't inform Gillespie prior to the decision to not have his assistant coach by his side for the upcoming test tour of South Africa, which has reportedly irritated Gillespie, who in recent months has taken to criticising the handling of senior coaching positions by the PCB.

Furthermore, it is understood Nielsen had developed a great rapport with the players and had openly stated so on more than one occasion.

The PCB have been outspoken in their criticism of coaches not spending 'enough' time in Pakistan and it is accepted this is the reason Nielsen - who does not live there - was not rewarded with a contract renewal.

Gillespie has said he personally has spent every day in Pakistan that his contract requires, as well as travelling with the tour of Darwin without financial remuneration as a gesture of goodwill.

He took on the role of white ball coach after Kirsten stood down before being replaced by former Pakistani player Aaqib Javed - who was recently appointed convenor of the men's cricket selection committee.

Gillespie has not ruled out the possibility of walking away before the series against South Africa, nor in the immediate aftermath.

He has rarely spoken positively about the processes the PCB have been implementing in recent months.

After only three tests in charge, Aaqib was hired by the PCB as part of yet another revamped selection panel, which reduced Gillespie's power dramatically.

He was no longer able to have a say in who was selected in matches or for a series and was removed from the selection committee.

He later told Sky Sports the role "wasn't what I signed up for".

"I think there's always frustrations from time to time," Gillespie said.

"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's spot on.

"I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren't done how you would like."

The PCB, who are not in a strong financial position, could potentially be forced to pay out much of his contract - which runs until mid-2026 - if Gillespie was to be sacked.

Last month, the PCB denied Gillespie's job was under immediate threat, reaffirming he would coach the team in South Africa.

However, they pointedly declined to commit to his future beyond that.