ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has criticised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selector Aaqib Javed over recent team changes, saying the national side appears to be “playing with fear” and lacks a consistent selection strategy.
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan for eight months in 2024, made the comments after the PCB replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and pace-bowling coach Umar Gul and sent seven players back from England following two heavy defeats in the ongoing Test series.
Speaking to The Australian, Gillespie said the changes had created uncertainty among players and questioned the decision to remove Salman Ali Agha after he captained Pakistan in the first Test.
“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?” Gillespie said.
Gillespie Questions PCB Selection Strategy
Gillespie said the PCB appeared to lack a clear selection policy, particularly under Aaqib Javed, who has served as chairman of selectors for the past two years.
He rejected suggestions that former coaches were responsible for Pakistan’s current difficulties and said the team’s recent decisions raised questions about communication between selectors and players.
Gillespie also criticised the way some players were informed about their removal from the squad, saying they reportedly learned about the decisions through family members, friends or the media.
He called the situation disrespectful and said there appeared to be limited communication between the selection leadership and players.
Pakistan Face Third Test After Heavy Defeats
Pakistan lost the first Test against England by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The third and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
Gillespie’s criticism follows similar concerns expressed by former Pakistan players and coaches, including former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Former coach Mickey Arthur described the situation as “an absolutely ridiculous” one.
New Zealand’s Mike Hesson, already serving as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, and Australian Ashley Noffke have taken charge of the team for the remainder of the England tour.