Courtesy: Google
Former Pakistan coach and Australia pacer Jason Gillespie has expressed his disagreement with India cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar’s remark which came after Pakistan’s dismal campaign at the Champions Trophy 2025. As primary hosts of the ODI tournament, the Men in Green performed miserably against New Zealand and India which led to Mohammad Rizwan’s side early exit from the competition. Key players Babar Azam, skipper Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi came under fierce criticism for their below-par performances. Noting Pakistan’s underwhelming performance, Gavaskar had said he is sure that India's B team will be able to beat Pakistan comfortably.
Gillespie slammed Gavaskar’s remark and advised Pakistan to back their right stalwarts and give them time to take the side ahead. "I don't buy this rhetoric. I saw some comments from Sunil Gavaskar about the Indian B team or Indian C team would beat the Pakistan top team. That's nonsense. Absolute nonsense. If Pakistan pick and stick with the right players and give them time to shine and time to learn and develop their games, they can beat anyone. I've got no doubt about that," said the former Australia speedster.
Jason Gillespie called Aaqib Javed clown
Before criticising Gavaskar, Gillespie targeted Pakistan’s interim coach Aaqib Javed, who replaced the Australian. Gillespie accused Javed of plotting against him and Gary Kirsten during their stint as Pakistan’s coach. “This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and me behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown,” reacted Gillespie on Javed’s remarks about instability in the national team’s management.
Pakistan will look to be at their best against New Zealand in the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand, which will kick off on March 16. Despite the Champions Trophy 2025 debacle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has kept faith in Rizwan as the wicket-keeper batter will be seen leading the team in the three-match ODI series.
