Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has criticised the lack of stability surrounding the national team after the Pakistan Cricket Board made sweeping changes midway through the Test series against England.
Pakistan sent home seven players, including former captain Salman Ali Agha, and parted ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after losing the opening two Tests.
England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before claiming the second by 194 runs. Pakistan failed to cross 200 in all four innings and fell 2-0 behind in the three-match series.
Gillespie Says Constant Changes Create Fear
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan from April to December 2024, said frequent changes at board, selection and coaching levels made consistency difficult.
He told The Australian that players appeared to be performing with fear and questioned how Salman could captain Pakistan in one Test before being dropped and sent home before the third.
Moreover, Gillespie criticised PCB high-performance director Aaqib Javed for reportedly blaming him and former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten for Pakistan’s current problems.
Gillespie said Javed had been involved in selection for the past two years and should examine his own role.
Former Coach Criticises Handling of Player Omissions
Gillespie also objected to the way some players reportedly learned about their removal, saying they heard through relatives, friends and media rather than directly from officials.
Despite his criticism, he praised Pakistan’s cricketing talent and said players needed stronger support away from the field.
Pakistan have won only one of their last eight Test series since August 2024, including a 2-1 victory over England under Gillespie.
Reuters said it contacted the PCB for comment.
Pakistan will face England in the third and final Test from September 9 to 13.
