Former Pakistan Test head coach and Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has openly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former Pakistan team director Aaqib Javed, blaming him for what he described as a difficult and disappointing experience during his time with the national team.
In an interview with a British website, Gillespie said he was already aware of the uncertainty and instability surrounding Pakistan cricket when he took charge of the Test side in April 2024.
He said he accepted the job because Pakistan was a major cricketing nation and he was looking for a new challenge.
Gillespie said he had initially been told that one of his key responsibilities would be to help restore Pakistan’s traditional strength in fast bowling.
The plan, he said, included preparing pitches with more bounce and carry to encourage fast bowlers, as there were concerns that the country’s fast-bowling culture was declining.
However, he said the situation changed significantly after Aaqib Javed became involved in the team’s affairs.
According to Gillespie, his relationship with Pakistan cricket changed completely after Aaqib’s arrival, as he felt that Aaqib began taking control of almost every major matter.
Gillespie said he initially had responsibility for the Test team, players, coaching staff and had a role in selection, but was later removed from some of those responsibilities.
He alleged that he was gradually sidelined and weakened, and held Aaqib responsible for the situation.
Gillespie claimed Aaqib sought to establish his authority from the beginning and preferred his own decisions rather than collaborative discussions.
Gillespie also alleged that Aaqib enjoyed the backing of the PCB high-ups and other board officials, which gave him a strong position within the system.
He described Aaqib’s approach as effectively being “my way or the highway”, claiming that he was not open to other suggestions and opinions.
The former coach said his experience with the PCB made him question whether he wanted to continue his coaching career. He said the situation affected him mentally, damaged his confidence and left him wondering whether coaching was still the right career for him.
Gillespie rejects criticism over foreign coaches’ presence
Gillespie also rejected criticism from Aaqib Javed over the amount of time he and former white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten spent in Pakistan.
He said neither coach had any problem staying in Pakistan and that they had discussed remaining in the country for training camps, watching domestic cricket and preparing for upcoming series.
However, Gillespie said it was normal for overseas coaches to return home for periods when no international cricket was being played, particularly when coaching responsibilities were divided between two head coaches.
Reflecting on his earlier admiration for Aaqib, Gillespie said he had grown up watching and admiring Pakistan’s famous fast bowlers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed.
However, he said his opinion of Aaqib changed after working with him.
Gillespie advises Mike Hesson to stand his ground
Gillespie also advised Pakistan’s current white-ball head coach Mike Hesson to remain firm on his principles and avoid becoming a coach who simply agrees with everything.
He described Hesson as a good person and an excellent coach, and expressed hope that he would not compromise his principles merely for his salary.
Gillespie claimed that he had refused to compromise his principles.
He said he could have remained silent, agreed with every decision and collected his salary, but that was not his personality.
Former coach alleges efforts to replace him
Gillespie further claimed that during his roughly eight-month stint in Pakistan, he was aware of efforts to undermine him and replace him with someone else.
He said people associated with Pakistan cricket had told him that Aaqib was speaking against him behind his back.
Gillespie said he was tired of what he described as negative comments being made about him and warned that he could consider legal action if the alleged campaign continued.
He expressed sadness over the current state of Pakistan cricket, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
He blamed Aaqib for many of the problems and claimed Pakistan cricket would continue to decline as long as he remained involved.
Gillespie said Pakistan cricket needed strong leadership, experienced cricket figures and properly appointed coaches who should be given authority to play a meaningful role in leadership decisions.
He also criticised the practice of the PCB chairman and other officials sitting in offices and deciding who should captain the team.
According to Gillespie, Pakistan cricket needs the right coach, who should be given sufficient time and authority to stabilise the team.
He said the coach should then be involved in selecting the captain and rebuilding the side.
He argued that such an approach could help Pakistan cricket move forward, whereas the current system was preventing progress.