Jason Gillespie labels Aaqib Javed 'clown' amid Pakistan coaching chaos
What's the story
Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie has taken a public dig at Aaqib Javed, the interim coach of the Pakistan cricket team. The criticism came after Javed's comments on frequent changes in the team's coaching staff. Gillespie, who previously served as the head coach for Pakistan, accused Javed of undermining him and Gary Kirsten to get a long-term coaching role. Notably, hosts Pakistan crashed out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without a win.
Stability concerns
Javed on Pakistan's coaching instability
Speaking at a recent press conference, Aaqib Javed voiced his concerns over the constant changes in Pakistan's coaching staff. He noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has changed as many as 16 coaches and 26 selectors in two years, which he feels is harmful to any team's performance. Javed also pointed out how players prioritize T20 cricket over domestic four-day competitions, which could affect their readiness for Tests or ODIs.
Accusations
How Gillespie responsed to Javed's comments
In response to Javed's remarks, Gillespie took to Instagram and accused him of plotting to take over in coaching capacity. He wrote, "This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary [Kirsten] and me behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats." This accusation adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous coaching situation within Pakistan cricket.
Coaching turmoil
Pakistan cricket's recent coaching upheavals
The coaching scenario in Pakistan has been tumultuous since their disappointing outing in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. Mickey Arthur was replaced by Mohammad Hafeez, who was sacked ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gillespie and Kirsten were roped in, but neither continued for long due to differences with PCB over team selection (in Kirsten's case) and sacking within a year (in Gillespie's case).
Performance review
Pakistan's Champions Trophy performance and coaching overhaul
Pakistan's dismal Champions Trophy performance was the last nail in the coffin, forcing a overhaul of their white-ball squad. The hosts were knocked out suffering defeats against New Zealand and India in the group stage. As part of this restructuring effort, the PCB has now dropped star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for an upcoming series against New Zealand.