Jason Gillespie Slams Aqib Javed Over Pakistan Cricket

ISLAMABAD: (Sports Desk) – Former Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has once again spoken openly about his experience with Pakistan cricket, claiming that he will not compromise on his principles despite still being owed thousands of dollars by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Gillespie said he could have remained silent, collected his salary and avoided confrontation, but that approach did not suit him. He described himself as someone who would not simply agree with everything and said he had been aware that his position could become uncertain within months.

The former Australian cricketer also expressed frustration over what he called repeated negative comments about him by Aqib Javed, warning that he could consider legal action if the criticism continued.

Gillespie said it was painful to see the current state of Pakistan cricket and alleged that the sport had become trapped in a damaging cycle. He described Aqib Javed as a major source of the problems within the system and said he had been warned about instability in Pakistan cricket before accepting the coaching role.

According to Gillespie, coaching Pakistan was initially viewed as one of the major opportunities of his career. He said he took the job with the aim of improving the Test side, particularly by developing Pakistan’s fast-bowling resources and preparing pitches that encouraged pace and bounce.

However, he claimed the situation changed significantly after Aqib Javed was brought into a senior role. Gillespie said Aqib eventually became involved in almost every aspect of Pakistan cricket, while his own influence over selection matters was limited.

He alleged that Aqib attempted to establish his authority during their first meeting and was unwilling to accept alternative opinions or suggestions. Gillespie further claimed that the support he received from the PCB chairman and board strengthened Aqib’s position.

Gillespie said the environment became unacceptable for someone in a professional coaching role and claimed that Aqib had no reason to comment on his contract or that of former assistant coach Gary Kirsten. He added that both coaches had been prepared to devote additional time to a training camp in Pakistan.

Reflecting on his admiration for Pakistani cricket, Gillespie said Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were among his heroes and that meeting them carried the same respect he had always felt for them. He suggested that his interactions with Aqib were very different.

Gillespie also offered advice to Pakistan’s current red-ball coach Mike Hesson, urging him to trust his own decisions and avoid becoming a “yes man.” He said he hoped Hesson would not become involved in the ongoing dispute simply for financial reasons.