Aaqib Javed accused of sabotaging Gillespie and Kirsten to secure coaching role

Gillespie made these comments in retaliation to a social media post containing remarks from Aaqib following Pakistan’s unsuccessful campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Aaqib had pointed out the instability caused by the frequent changes in coaching and selection, stating that 16 coaches and 26 selectors had been changed in about two years.

“This is hilarious,” remarked Gillespie on social media. “Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown.”

Gillespie, who stepped down as red-ball coach amid disagreements with the PCB, had a two-year contract. Aaqib took over his role, and was recently appointed interim white-ball coach for New Zealand tour following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the Champions Trophy.

Kirsten, the white-ball coach, had also resigned six months into his tenure. Gillespie temporarily filled in for him during a tour of Australia.

Auqib’s tenure as interim white-ball coach has now been extended until the tour of New Zealand, which includes five T20s and three ODIs starting March 16.

Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy, their first major ICC event in 29 years, was disappointing with two losses and one washout in the group stage. Following their exit, star batter Babar Azam and white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the T20 squad and Salman Ali Agha was appointed as T20 captain.

Aaqib, now serving as Pakistan’s national selector, acknowledged that constant changes in coaching and selection had not been beneficial to the team.

“We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so,” he said. “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.”

Pakistan are set to tour New Zealand for a five-match T20 series and a three-match ODI series, commencing March 16.