Gillespie Criticises Aaqib Javed Over Pakistan’s Selection Turmoil

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie has criticised chief selector Aaqib Javed, saying the team’s selection decisions are creating fear and confusion during the Test series in England.

Pakistan lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs and the second at Lord’s by 194 runs. Off the field, the PCB has changed the coaching setup and sent several players home before the third Test at Edgbaston, which starts on September 9.

Sympathy for the players

Gillespie coached Pakistan for around eight months in 2024 and led them to a 2-1 Test series win over England in that spell. He said he felt for the current squad and suggested the uncertainty had produced an atmosphere of fear.

The Salman Ali Agha case

One of his main concerns was the handling of Salman Ali Agha. The all-rounder captained Pakistan in the first Test with Babar Azam absent, was left out of the second, and was sent home after the Lord’s defeat. Gillespie questioned how someone could go from captain to removal so quickly.

He also dismissed Aaqib’s apparent suggestion that earlier coaching regimes were to blame, noting that Aaqib has been chairman of selectors for two years. Gillespie further claimed there is little or no communication between Aaqib and the players, and that the uncertainty affects performances.

Edgbaston next

With the series already out of reach, Pakistan will aim to finish the tour on a better note at Edgbaston while scrutiny of their selection and management structure continues.