Jason Gillespie calls Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed a clown following Pak's Champions Trophy 2025 fiasco

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has launched a scathing attack on the team's current interim coach, Aaqib Javed, calling him a "clown" in response to recent comments regarding the instability in Pakistan cricket.

Gillespie's remarks come after Pakistan's disappointing campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where they were among the first teams to be eliminated following consecutive losses to New Zealand and India.

In a press conference on March 4, Aaqib Javed attributed Pakistan's struggles to frequent changes in coaching and management. "We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so. You put that formula on any team in the world, I think they will also be in the same situation. Until you get consistency right from the top down to the bottom, from the chairman down, then your team will not progress," he stated.

Javed also pointed out the reluctance of players to participate in four-day domestic matches, emphasizing how this lack of red-ball cricket has negatively impacted Pakistan's overall performance. His statements, however, did not sit well with Gillespie, who took to Instagram to hit back at the interim coach.

"This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown," Gillespie posted in an Instagram story, directly accusing Javed of working against him and former head coach Gary Kirsten.

Both Gillespie and Kirsten had resigned from their respective coaching roles within a year, citing issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Kirsten, who was initially appointed as Pakistan's white-ball coach, stepped down following conflicts with the PCB, after which Gillespie briefly took over the role while continuing as the red-ball coach. However, his stint was short-lived, as he too resigned ahead of Pakistan's Test series against South Africa.

Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy has intensified criticism of the team's structure and decision-making. The defending champions failed to register a single win in the tournament, with their final group-stage match against Bangladesh being abandoned due to rain. Amid growing scrutiny, Gillespie's blunt remarks have added another layer of controversy, further highlighting the instability within Pakistan cricket.