Gillespie’s interview reveals issues with men’s team and PCB itself

LAHORE: In a recent interview, Jason Gillespie, the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national team, may have inadvertently exposed issues plaguing Pakistan’s cricketing scene.

The head coach talked about the huge pressure that came with his role, particularly with the team constantly underperforming.

During the interview, Gillespie discussed the unique challenges of coaching Pakistan, an unpredictable team that has gone from world champion to creating arguably the worst upset in sports’ history when it lost to the United States in this year’s T20 world cup.

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Gillespie admitted that coaching Pakistan was a markedly different experience from his previous coaching stints.

The head coach took the helm in 2023. He says he understands the scrutiny that the team faces from former players, the media and the public.

“I was aware that coaching Pakistan would be a tough task. This time around, it feels different from my past experiences”, he revealed.

The head coach’s comments come in light of Pakistan’s lackluster performance throughout 2024. From the earlier stated terrible performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers, where the men’s national team struggled to secure a direct entry into the main event, to the most recent series with England where they lost horribly.

England was able to break several records in the latest series against the Green Shirts, clubbing them to shame on their own home turf.

The former Australian player talked about the ‘long-term vision’ for the Pakistani team. “When I accepted the coaching position, I was informed about the strategic plans in place for Pakistani cricket”, he said.

Gillespie was quick to note that he was committed to understanding the intricacies of cricketing environment in Pakistan. “I am working to adapt to the dynamics of Pakistan cricket every day”.

But is it really something a coach should be stating a year into his job?

The Pakistani head coach also spoke about the leadership of Shaan Masood, who was appointed captain during a challenging tour of Australia.

He ‘praised’ Masood’s ‘rapport’ with the team. “Under Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan faced a tough series against Australia, suffering a 2-0 defeat in Tests and a 3-0 loss in ODIs.

“These results intensified scrutiny on the team’s direction and performance”.

The Australian native stated he was still optimistic regarding star batter, Babar Azam, who encountered a rough patch in his form.

“Babar Azam is an exceptional player. Every great player goes through tough time. I am confident that he will regain his form and lead us to victories”, Gillespie reiterated, like a happy oblivious housecat.

The question the entire interview begs is what are the long-term plans here? All sounded like reassurances, with some remarks that should raise the hairs on those responsible for the men’s national team.

What is happening behind the scenes that the team has been consistent;y putting out such dismal, pathetic performance for an entire year.

Since Mohsin Naqvi took charge of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a man with no cricketing background but a media mogul also doubling as Interior Minister in current government, what exactly is going on at the national governing body?

Babar Azam alone has struggled with form, particularly evident during the World Cup qualifiers, where he averaged just 25.75 in five matches!

It isn’t just individual players putting out lackluster performances, several other issues hint at glaring, deep issues at every level, especially administrative.

Besides the previously stated performance in the T20 world cup, the team’s inability to progress beyond the group stages or perform even to mid expectations has raised concerns about the team selection, strategy (if any even exists) and overall team management.

There have been ongoing hushed debates regarding the player selection, particularly around the inclusion and/or exclusion of certain players based on form and fitness.

Decisions made by the selection committee have often been questioned by fans and analysts. While this has lead to calls for more transparency and accountability in the selection process, who will see to this?

The men’s team has also witnessed frequent changes in coaching staff and management. Everyone knows that the last thing a fragile team like ours right now needs is more instability .

A constant revolving door of coaches and management is bound to disrupt the team’s performance and consistency.

The appointment and then dismissal of coaches has led to instability, with players bound to struggle to adapt to new strategies and philosophies every few months.

Read more: Records tumble as Brook, Root guide England to 823 before Pakistan collapse

All this reflects a broader issue within the team and the PCB itself. It also echoes back to the days of mid-2000s when internal politics and other issues decimated the men’s national cricket team.