‘Like changing pants’: Former Pakistan coach blasts selectors for ‘disrespectful’ treatment of players

Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has voiced his sympathy for the players on the team currently on tour in England and criticized the management for their treatment of them. The management airlifted limited overs coach Mike Hesson to England suddenly, sacking the incumbent Sarfraz Ahmed and his staff after losing the first two Tests in the three-match series.

They also sent home seven players from the squad, including Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the first Test. Gillespie told Code Sports that he feels for the players as it is their livelihood at stake. He pointed out how the players are playing with fear, given their uncertain future after such abrupt changes.

Gillespie further emphasized that the inconsistency in the team's performance on the field is being exacerbated by the management's decisions off the field. He noted that any chance of consistency in performance requires consistency in decision-making at the board and selection levels. Former captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to victory as captain in the 2017 Champions Trophy, was made head coach in April and has been blamed by chief selector and high performance director of cricket Aaqib Javed for the team's current situation in Test cricket.

Javed has been critical of the coaching staff led by Gillespie for the team's failure to win a test series since August 2024.

Gillespie also criticized the frequent changes in the team's coaching staff, stating that Pakistan has had six test coaches in the past three years. He remarked on how unclear their selection strategy is, particularly under Javed, who changes their mind "like they change their pants - daily." Gillespie remained a strong admirer of Pakistan's players, acknowledging their talent is as good as anywhere in the world. He stressed that these players need support off the field.