Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has criticized chairman of selectors Aaqib Javed, saying the national team appears to be “playing with fear” following a series of major changes.
Pakistan made sweeping changes this week after suffering heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England. The board replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and pace-bowling coach Umar Gul. It also sent seven players home from England.
Gillespie Questions Selection Decisions
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan for eight months in 2024, said he felt sorry for the players and questioned the frequent changes.
“I feel for the players, this is these guys’ livelihoods,” he said.
“From the outside, it looks like they are playing with fear.”
Gillespie also questioned the decision to remove Salman Ali Agha from the squad.
“Salman Ali Agha goes from captaining the team in the first Test against England to out of the team for the second Test and on the plane home before the third Test. How does that work?” he asked.
Criticism Directed at Aaqib Javed
The former coach placed the responsibility for the selection decisions firmly on Aaqib Javed.
“It’s pretty clear they don’t have a selection strategy at all, particularly under Aaqib Javed,” Gillespie said.
“They change their mind like they change their pants — daily.”
Gillespie also rejected claims that former coaches Gary Kirsten and himself were responsible for Pakistan’s current problems.
“Aaqib Javed came out recently and blamed Gary Kirsten and myself for everything that is going on,” he said.
“Aaqib has been chairman of selectors for the past two years. We haven’t even been there.”
“Somehow he claims it is our fault. Make sense out of that. I think Javed needs to look at himself in the mirror.”
Gillespie Raises Communication Concerns
Gillespie also questioned communication between the selection committee and Pakistan’s players.
“There is definitely no communication between Aaqib Javed, who is meant to be chairman of selectors, and the players,” he said.
He claimed some players only learned about their removal through family members, friends and the media.
“The players who were sacked heard it through family and friends and the media they had been sacked,” Gillespie added.
“How disrespectful is that?”
Pakistan Suffer Heavy Test Defeats
Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run defeat against England in the first Test at Headingley.
England then won the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The third and final Test will begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
Former Coaches Also Question Changes
Several former Pakistan coaches and players have also expressed concern over the recent decisions.
Former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik have questioned the changes, while former coach Mickey Arthur described the situation as “an absolutely ridiculous situation.”
Meanwhile, New Zealander Mike Hesson and Australian Ashley Noffke have taken charge of Pakistan’s Test team for the remainder of the England tour.
