Jason Gillespie Calls Out Aqib Javed for Alleged Backdoor Politics

Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has launched a scathing attack on his successor, Aqib Javed, accusing him of working behind the scenes to undermine both him and ex-white-ball coach Gary Kirsten in a bid to take control of the national team across all formats.

Gillespie’s explosive remarks came in response to a recent social media post quoting Javed’s comments about Pakistan’s struggles in international cricket. The former fast bowler had told reporters that the national team had gone through 16 coaching changes and 26 selectors in just two years, arguing that such instability would naturally lead to poor performances.

While Javed’s statement was seen as a reflection of Pakistan’s well-documented management issues, it didn’t sit well with Gillespie, who saw it as an attempt to justify his own actions. The Australian didn’t hold back, calling out Javed for allegedly working behind closed doors to take control of the team.

“This is hilarious,” Gillespie wrote on social media. “Aqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown.”

A Pattern of Instability in Pakistan Cricket

Javed, who has yet to respond to the allegations, was appointed as Pakistan’s interim white-ball coach for the Champions Trophy after Kirsten stepped down in October 2023, just six months into his tenure. Gillespie had briefly stepped in for the South African during Pakistan’s limited-overs tour of Australia, but his own stint as the red-ball coach also came to an abrupt end in December, reportedly due to a breakdown in relations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Javed has now been retained as the team’s head coach for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, where they will play five T20s and three ODIs starting March 16. His appointment, however, has raised questions about whether he actively worked to secure his role by pushing others out.

The PCB has not issued an official statement on the controversy, but the situation highlights the long-standing instability within Pakistan cricket’s management. Over the years, the national team has struggled with frequent coaching changes, lack of long-term planning, and political interference, all of which have impacted performances on the field.

Gillespie’s Exit and the Future of Pakistan’s Coaching Setup

Gillespie, who had signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April 2023, left his position as Test coach just eight months later. His departure, combined with Kirsten’s resignation and Javed’s controversial rise to a leadership role, paints a chaotic picture of Pakistan cricket’s management.

As Pakistan prepares for its upcoming series in New Zealand, all eyes will be on Javed to see whether he can deliver results amid the growing scrutiny surrounding his appointment. Whether he responds to Gillespie’s accusations remains to be seen, but the drama within Pakistan’s coaching ranks is far from over.