The ongoing discussion about the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has gained momentum following former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar’s controversial statement that even an Indian B team could easily defeat Pakistan. However, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who briefly served as Pakistan’s head coach in 2024-25, has dismissed Gavaskar’s remarks as “absolute nonsense.”
The Pakistan team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, had a dismal run in the Champions Trophy, failing to secure a single victory despite being the tournament hosts. Reacting to their poor form, Gavaskar stated, “I think a B team from India can certainly challenge Pakistan. Our B team will be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form.” These comments, made during an appearance on *Sports Today*, sparked widespread reactions from cricket fans and experts alike.
Jason Gillespie, who also served as Pakistan’s Test coach, strongly opposed Gavaskar’s claims. He argued that Pakistan has the potential to compete with any team if provided with the right support. “I don’t buy this rhetoric. I saw some comments from Sunil Gavaskar about the Indian B team beating Pakistan’s top team. That’s nonsense, absolute nonsense,” Gillespie said. He further stressed the need for consistency in team selection and patience with players, adding, “If Pakistan pick and stick with the right players and give them time to shine, they can beat anyone. They just need to back high-end talent and be patient with them.”
—
**Gillespie Criticized Pakistan’s System, Says Rashid Latif**
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has clarified that Jason Gillespie’s criticism was directed at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its system, rather than being a personal attack on individuals like Aaqib Javed. Latif stated, “Jason Gillespie was referring to our system as a joke. I had a feeling that he would do this once he went back.”
Latif emphasized the need for the PCB to adopt a more balanced and strategic approach in its decision-making. “Foreign coaches do not compromise on principles,” he said, citing the example of Mickey Arthur, whose strict coaching style helped Pakistan become the top-ranked T20I team. “When I was the head coach of Afghanistan, players respected the head coach like a father and tried to learn from him. Today, the results speak for themselves. In our system, players have become bigger than the game,” Latif explained.
He also addressed the controversy surrounding Babar Azam, suggesting that if Babar felt wronged by any remarks, he should take legal action. “If Babar Azam feels someone has made wrong remarks about him, he should send a legal notice. I have done that myself, but the reaction of his father on social media was inappropriate,” Latif added.
Latif’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges within Pakistan’s cricketing system and the need for structural reforms to ensure long-term success.
