Jason Gillespie Calls Aaqib Javed a “Clown” Over Coaching Remarks

News Desk

Islamabad: Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has taken a sharp jab at Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed, calling him a “clown” for his remarks about the team’s struggles and his alleged attempts to secure a permanent coaching role.

Javed, speaking at a press conference after Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, had blamed frequent changes in the coaching staff and selection committee for the team’s poor performances.

“We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so,” Javed said. “You put that formula on any team in the world, and they will face the same struggles. Until you get consistency right from the top down, the team will not progress.”

Gillespie Dismisses Javed’s Claims

Gillespie, who played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs for Australia, dismissed Javed’s reasoning as “hilarious” and accused him of maneuvering to take over as Pakistan’s full-time coach.

“It’s a bit rich of Aaqib Javed to blame ‘instability’ when he himself went behind the backs of Gary Kirsten and myself to take over the Pakistan team,” Gillespie wrote on social media platform Threads.

His comments suggest that Javed may have worked behind the scenes to push for the coaching job, despite Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially considering other candidates, including Gillespie and South African coach Gary Kirsten.

Pakistan’s Coaching Crisis Continues

Pakistan, who hosted the Champions Trophy, failed to progress beyond the group stage after defeats to India and New Zealand, with their final match against Bangladesh being washed out. The team’s underwhelming performance has intensified scrutiny on its coaching and selection policies.

Pakistan cricket has witnessed a revolving door of coaching and administrative changes in recent years, raising concerns about stability and long-term planning. Several former players and analysts have called for a structured approach to team management instead of the frequent reshuffling of personnel.

Javed, a former Test pacer and experienced coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Lahore Qalandars, has been vocal about his ambitions to take on a permanent coaching role with the national side. However, after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, his position remains uncertain.

With mounting pressure on the PCB to implement reforms, Pakistan’s coaching saga looks far from over, and Gillespie’s remarks have only added more fuel to the debate.