Aaqib Javed, Jason Gillespie
Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has doubled down on his criticism of Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed , saying the selection committee chairman took control of Pakistan cricket and changed the direction the team was supposed to follow.
Gillespie, who was appointed Pakistan’s head coach in April 2024 and resigned in December that year, said he was brought in with a clear vision of rebuilding Pakistan’s fast-bowling culture. Following defeats in the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent seven players home, removed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, and appointed Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke for the third and final Test in Birmingham starting September 9.
That plan changed after Javed became the chief selector, according to him. “Aaqib had the support of the chairman and the board and that’s why he felt he was untouchable,” Gillespie says. Gillespie also claimed the PCB still owes him money from his time as coach but said he was not willing to change his principles to stay in the job. “It’s heartbreaking for me to see what’s going on now, it’s a mess,” Gillespie said, as quoted by Telegraph. He is the problem and as long as he is there, then Pakistan cricket will continue to go backwards,” the former Pakistan coach said.
Gillespie’s comments come after Pakistan made drastic changes during their ongoing tour of England. “As a coach, you feel compromised. He was not a collaborative chairman of selectors. He doesn’t take on other people’s ideas, thoughts, or opinions. He might think he does, but he doesn’t. It was his way or the highway. “I know the crux of it. It’s Aaqib Javed.