Gillespie hits out at Pakistan selectors after mid-series overhaul

Former Pakistan coach Jason Gillespie criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's mid-series overhaul of the squad and coaching staff in the middle of their test series against England. Seven players, such as former captain Salman Ali Agha, were sent home, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, after losses in the first two tests.

Pakistan currently trails 2-0 in the series, failing to reach 200 in any of their four innings. Gillespie, who coached Pakistan from April to December 2024, attributed the team's struggles to a lack of stability off the field due to constant changes. "I feel for the players — this is these guys' livelihoods," Gillespie told The Australian newspaper.

"From the outside it looks like they are playing with fear." Gillespie further criticized Pakistan's Director High-Performance, Aaqib Javed, accusing him of blaming him and former fast bowler Gary Kirsten for the country's poor performance. Gillespie also criticized how some players were informed of their omissions, stating the method as "disrespectful."

Regardless, Gillespie expressed admiration for Pakistan's talented players, attributing their challenges to a need for better support off the field.