Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its selection process following the dramatic mid-series overhaul during the England Test tour. Gillespie said the constant changes have created an environment in which players appear to be “playing with fear.”
Pakistan made sweeping changes after losing the first two Tests against England. The PCB released seven players from the squad, including Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, while also replacing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul ahead of the third and final Test.
Jason Gillespie Questions PCB’s Treatment of Players
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan in 2024, said he felt sorry for the players and questioned the way decisions were being communicated and implemented.
He argued that frequent changes in selection, coaching and team management were damaging Pakistan’s ability to build stability.
Gillespie also criticised the selectors for repeatedly changing their decisions, comparing the frequency of the changes to changing trousers. His comments were directed particularly at the selection process under Aaqib Javed.
‘Players Are Playing With Fear’
Gillespie said the situation was particularly concerning because cricket is the players’ livelihood.
He pointed to the uncertainty surrounding selection and suggested that the constant changes could affect players’ confidence and performance.
According to Gillespie, Pakistan need stability not only on the field but also at the board, selection and coaching levels.
Salman Ali Agha Example Raises Questions
The former Pakistan coach singled out Salman Ali Agha as an example of the uncertainty within the team.
Salman captained Pakistan in the opening Test against England but was subsequently dropped and sent home before the third Test.
Gillespie questioned how a player could go from leading Pakistan against England to being removed from the squad within such a short period.
The PCB’s decision came after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the opening two Tests. England won the first match by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Seven Pakistan Players Sent Home
The PCB released the following seven players from the Test squad:
Mohammad Rizwan
Imam-ul-Haq
Salman Ali Agha
Ali Usman
Aamir Jamal
Muhammad Awais Zafar
Khurram Shahzad
The board also made changes to the coaching staff, with Mike Hesson replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed and Ashley Noffke taking over the bowling-coach role from Umar Gul.
Five Uncapped Players Get Test Call-Ups
The dramatic reshuffle also opened the door for new faces. Pakistan called up five players who had not previously played Test cricket, while Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal were also added to the squad.
The uncapped players include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The changes are part of Pakistan’s attempt to reset its Test campaign following the heavy defeats in England.
Gillespie’s Own Record With Pakistan
Gillespie coached Pakistan from April to December 2024 and guided the side to a 2-1 Test series victory over England.
However, Pakistan have struggled to establish consistency since then. Reuters reported that the team has gone through six Test coaches in three years and has won only one of its previous eight Test series—the 2-1 victory over England under Gillespie.
Pakistan Cricket Faces Another Test
The latest controversy has once again put the PCB’s selection and management structure under scrutiny.
With seven players removed and a new-look squad brought in, Pakistan will now attempt to salvage something from the England tour in the third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled for September 9-13.
Gillespie’s comments have added further pressure on the PCB, with the former coach arguing that Pakistan’s talented players need a more stable and respectful environment if the team is to perform consistently.
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