Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has accused his successor, Aqib Javed, of working behind the scenes to undermine both him and ex-white-ball coach Gary Kirsten in an attempt to secure control of the national team across all formats.
Gillespie’s remarks were made in response to a social media post citing Javed’s recent comments, which came just days after hosts Pakistan crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy without securing a single victory.
Gillespie Claims Javed Campaigned for Coaching Role Across All Formats
On Tuesday, Javed addressed reporters, highlighting Pakistan’s instability in leadership, stating that the national team had gone through 16 coaches and 26 selectors in just two years. He emphasised that such frequent changes would negatively impact any team’s performance.
However, Gillespie was unimpressed by Javed’s remarks and dismissed them outright on social media.
“This is hilarious,” the Australian coach remarked. “Aqib was clearly undermining Gary and me behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown.”
Javed has yet to respond to the allegations made by Gillespie. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been contacted for an official statement but has not yet issued a response.
Pakistan’s Coaching Turmoil Continues
The controversy comes amid ongoing instability in Pakistan’s coaching structure. Gary Kirsten resigned as white-ball coach in October, barely six months into his tenure, leading to Gillespie temporarily filling in during Pakistan’s limited-overs tour of Australia.
Aqib Javed was then appointed as Pakistan’s interim white-ball coach for the Champions Trophy, and his tenure has now been extended to cover Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, which includes five T20 internationals and three one-day internationals, beginning on 16 March.
Gillespie himself had signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April but resigned as red-ball coach in December, reportedly due to strained relations with the board. He was subsequently replaced by Aqib Javed.
Pakistan’s Struggles with Frequent Coaching Changes
Pakistan’s cricket team has long been plagued by inconsistency, not only in player performances but also in coaching appointments. The frequent turnover in coaching staff has led to concerns about the lack of a long-term strategy and stability.
This latest public dispute between former and current coaches only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future, raising further questions about the PCB’s management and decision-making process.