Former Pakistan coach criticises the PCB’s mid-series changes, saying players appear to be playing with fear and lack clear communication.
Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has criticised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of high performance and chairman of selectors Aaqib Javed, telling him to “look at himself in the mirror” amid the latest upheaval surrounding the national Test team.
Gillespie said Pakistan’s players appeared to be “playing with fear” following a series of major changes to the squad and coaching staff during the ongoing England tour.
Gillespie questions Pakistan’s selection strategy
Gillespie strongly questioned the way Pakistan’s selection decisions have been handled under Aaqib Javed.
He argued that the team lacked a consistent selection strategy and criticised what he described as frequent changes in direction.
The former coach pointed specifically to Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan in the first Test against England but was subsequently left out and sent home before the third Test.
Gillespie said such a sequence of decisions raised questions about how the team was being managed.
Former coach rejects blame
Gillespie also rejected recent criticism from Aaqib Javed directed at him and former Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten.
He noted that he and Kirsten were no longer involved with the Pakistan team and questioned why they were being held responsible for the side’s current problems.
Gillespie said Javed had been chairman of selectors for the past two years and should examine his own role in the team’s difficulties.
Players allegedly learned of sackings through media
One of Gillespie’s strongest criticisms concerned communication between team management and players.
He claimed there was a serious communication gap between Javed and the players, alleging that some of those removed from the squad learned about their sackings through family members, friends or media reports rather than directly from the team management.
Gillespie described the reported treatment as disrespectful and said the uncertainty could contribute to players feeling under pressure.
Pakistan overhaul follows heavy defeats
Pakistan made sweeping changes after losing the opening two Tests of the three-match series against England.
The team suffered an innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley before losing the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, leaving Pakistan 2-0 down in the series.
The PCB subsequently sent several players home and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson and Australian bowling coach Ashley Noffke have taken charge of the team for the remainder of the tour.
Third Test begins on September 9
The third and final Test between England and Pakistan is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
Pakistan enters the match 2-0 down and under significant pressure following the changes to its squad and coaching setup.
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan during 2024, has expressed concern about the instability but also maintained that the country has talented players who need consistent support and a stable structure.
The latest criticism adds to growing scrutiny of the PCB’s handling of the Test side and its decision-making during the England series.
