Players left in fear, says ex‑coach after PCB’s mass dismissals

In a candid interview, Jason Gillespie warned that Pakistan’s cricketers are operating under a cloud of apprehension after the PCB’s sweeping decisions. The governing body removed head coach Safdar Ahmed, bowling coach Umar Gul and seven members of the playing XI following defeats at Headingley and Lord's.

Gillespie described the environment as one where “players are scared to express themselves on the field”. He blamed the lack of strategic vision from chief selector Akbar Javed, stating that the continual reshuffling of the squad mirrors a “daily change of pants” rather than a reasoned approach.

The former fast‑bowler also highlighted the irony of Javed’s repeated accusations aimed at Gary Kirsten and himself, despite both having left the national set‑up months ago. "Pointing fingers at absent coaches does not solve the problem; it only deepens the crisis," he said.

The dismissed players reportedly learned about their exclusion through family and media reports, a process Gillespie called “disrespectful and unprofessional”. As the third Test at Edgbaston looms, the PCB has handed coaching responsibilities to Mike Hesson and Australian analyst Ashley Nofke.