Former coach Mickey Arthur weighs in on Pakistan’s coaching chaos, calls Gillespie’s remarks brutally honest.
March 13, 2025: Pakistan cricket is once again embroiled in controversy following their early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, with blame flying in all directions. The latest chapter in this saga is the feud between former head coach Jason Gillespie and his successor Aaqib Javed, which has now played out in the public eye.
Gillespie vs. Aaqib: What Happened?
🔹 Jason Gillespie, who was appointed Pakistan’s Test coach in 2024, resigned within a year, citing undisclosed reasons.
🔹 Aaqib Javed, his replacement, defended Pakistan’s Champions Trophy debacle, blaming the constant coaching changes:
“We changed 16 coaches in two-and-a-half years and 26 selectors. If any team faces this, their performance will suffer.”
🔹 In response, Gillespie slammed Aaqib on Instagram, accusing him of undermining him and campaigning to take over his job:
“This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and me behind the scenes. He is a clown.”
Mickey Arthur: Pakistan Cricket Is Its Own Worst Enemy
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Mickey Arthur, who coached Pakistan from 2016-2019, wasn’t surprised by the turmoil. Reacting to the feud, Arthur said:
💬 “I love this quote to be brutally honest. Jason Gillespie is a wonderful coach, wonderful man. Pakistan cricket just continues to shoot itself in the foot. It is its worst enemy.”
💬 “There are so many good players. They’ve got resources, young talent, and incredible skill. Yet, it’s still chaotic. When they signed Gillespie and Kirsten, I thought they had gone in the right direction. But ultimately, it’s the players who lose out.”
Also Read: ICC Thanks PCB for Hosting Champions Trophy, Calls It a Historic Success
Coaching Chaos & Political Meddling
Arthur further highlighted how behind-the-scenes politics is ruining Pakistan cricket:
🔻 Mohammad Rizwan replaced Babar Azam as captain
🔻 Shadab Khan disappeared from the squad
🔻 Shaheen Afridi lost his edge
🔻 The team’s performance nosedived
💬 “Pakistan cricket has a machine that keeps undermining people, with agendas driven in the media. It’s a jungle out there. I feel sorry for Gary and Jason. No doubt they were undermined.”
Pakistan Cricket’s Downward Spiral
This isn’t the first time a Pakistan coach has faced internal struggles. Shahid Afridi recently declared that ‘Pakistan cricket is in ICU,’ pointing fingers at the PCB’s lack of leadership.
With constant instability, coach exits, and team disarray, the biggest losers remain the players and Pakistan cricket itself.
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Pakistan Cricket, Mickey Arthur, Jason Gillespie vs Aaqib Javed, PCB Controversy, Pakistan Coaching Chaos, Gary Kirsten, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Cricket Feuds, Champions Trophy 2025