Key Takeaways
- Ex-Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie criticizes chairman of selectors Aaqib Javed.
- Gillespie says players are playing with fear and there’s no selection strategy.
- Pakistan replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and sent seven players home from England.
Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has criticized the selectors, particularly chairman Aaqib Javed, over recent team changes and player dismissals.
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan for eight months in 2024, including a 2-1 Test series win against England, expressed his disappointment with the current situation.
He stated, 'I feel for the players, this is these guys’ livelihoods,' indicating his concern for the players' well-being.
Gillespie highlighted the dramatic changes in team composition, noting that Salman Ali Agha, who captained the team in the first Test against England, was dropped for the second Test and sent home before the third Test.
The Australian coach questioned the decision-making process, saying, 'How does that work?' and blamed Javed for the lack of a clear selection strategy.
Gillespie also criticized Javed for publicly blaming former coach Gary Kirsten and himself for the team's poor performance, stating, 'Make sense out of that. I think Javed needs to look at himself in the mirror.'
The team's recent performances have been poor, with an innings and 103-run loss in the first Test at Headingley and a 194-run defeat at Lord's.
The third and final Test against England starts at Edgbaston on September 9, raising questions about the team's readiness and strategy.
Other ex-Pakistan coaches and players, including former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik, have also expressed bewilderment over the situation.
New Zealander Mike Hesson and Australian Ashley Noffke have taken charge of the team for the remainder of the tour, following the changes.
I feel for the players, this is these guys’ livelihoods.
Jason Gillespie, Ex-Pakistan Test coach
How does that work?
Jason Gillespie, Ex-Pakistan Test coach
Make sense out of that. I think Javed needs to look at himself in the mirror.
Jason Gillespie, Ex-Pakistan Test coach
