Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board Director High-Performance Aqib Javed, urging him to “look at himself in the mirror” as the national team struggles with fear and inconsistency on the field.
Gillespie highlighted that the recent turmoil within the team stems from instability off the field, following a mid-series overhaul of the squad and coaching staff during the ongoing Test series against England. Pakistan sent home seven players, including former captain Salman Ali Agha, and dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed along with bowling coach Umar Gul after heavy defeats in the first two Tests.
Pakistan suffered a crushing innings and 103-run loss in the opening Test, followed by a 194-run defeat in the second, leaving them 2-0 down in the three-match series. The team failed to surpass 200 runs in any of the four innings played so far.
Gillespie, who served as Pakistan’s coach from April to December 2024, pointed out that the frequent changes have hindered the team’s ability to develop consistency. “I feel for the players — this is their livelihood,” he said. He questioned the logic behind Salman Ali Agha captaining the first Test, then being dropped for the second and sent home before the third, emphasizing that consistency off the field is essential for stability on it.
Notably, Pakistan has had six different Test coaches in the past three years, including Gillespie himself. The team has won only one of their last eight Test series since August 2024, which was a 2-1 victory over England under Gillespie’s leadership.
In a significant development, Gillespie addressed recent comments by Aqib Javed, who blamed Gillespie and former Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten for the current issues. Gillespie dismissed these accusations, noting that neither he nor Kirsten have been involved recently and insisted that Javed, who has been chairman of selectors for two years, should take responsibility instead.
Gillespie also condemned the manner in which some players were informed about their exclusion, revealing that many learned about their removal through family, friends, or the media, calling it “disrespectful.” Despite his criticisms, Gillespie expressed admiration for Pakistan’s players, stating their talent is among the best globally but emphasizing the need for better support off the field.
Pakistan is set to face England in the third and final Test from September 9 to 13, with the team seeking to end the series on a positive note.
