Former Pakistan cricket team head coach Jason Gillespie has openly slammed interim coach Aqib Javed, branding him a “clown.” This outburst follows Javed’s comments on Pakistan’s dismal showing in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Actively seeking the head coach position in all formats, Gillespie charged Javed with breaking down him and previous whiteball coach Gary Kirsten.
In his Instagram post, Gillespie expressed his anger and frustration at the events that led to his December departure. His remarks have rekindled debates on Pakistan’s cricket inconsistency, especially the regular turnover in selector staff and coaches.
Pakistan finished poorly in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, not managing a single victory. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan lost two straight games against India and New Zealand before their final group-stage game against Bangladesh was called off because of bad weather. As Pakistan was the first team to be knocked out of the competition, questions were asked of the management.
In the press conference with Salman Ali Agha, Aqib Javed blamed the low performance on regular alterations in team management. Claiming that no team could thrive under these circumstances, he noted that Pakistan had modified 16 managers and 26 selectors in over two years. Still, Jason Gillespie reacted on social media with harsh words, so his remarks did not go over well.
Jason Gillespie went on Instagram to express his aggravation, claiming Javed had destroyed his time. “This is funny. Aqib undermined Gary and me behind the scenes, vying to be the coach in every form. He is a clown,” he wrote. This observation exposed the backstage politics that have beset Pakistan cricket.
The previous coach’s firing was already a matter of heated debate. After the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to offer red ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen’s contract, Gillespie stepped down ahead of the South Africa Test series. Later, he confessed that his resignation hinged greatly on not being told about this choice. For his quitting, Gillespie mentioned, first of all, internal strife and an absence of openness.
The continuing argument between Jason Gillespie and Aqib Javed draws attention to more serious problems in Pakistan cricket. Constant changes in coaching personnel and selection have produced an unstable atmosphere directly affecting the team’s performance. Javed points to management’s inconsistency; Gillespie’s accusations imply that internal politics is also responsible. Pakistan’s cricketing future is in limbo unless the PCB solves these structural issues.
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