Rashid Latif Believes Gillespie Called PCB a ‘Joke’

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Jason Gillespie’s resignation as head coach, clarifying that the Australian did not just insult Aqib Javed but instead criticized the entire Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in his recent rant.

Latif, speaking out in response to Gillespie’s comments, stated, “Jason Gillespie wasn’t targeting Aaqib Javed; his words were aimed at the PCB and their approach to the system. He referred to our system as a joke, and honestly, I had a feeling he would voice such concerns once he returned home.”

Gillespie, a former coach of the Pakistan cricket team, is finally opening up about his departure from the role. While he expressed his disappointment with the position during his brief tenure many times, Gillespie has been giving the PCB and Aqib Javed the verbal business in recent days, even going as far as to label Aaqib “a clown.”

Rashid Latif seems to agree with Jason Gillespie’s stance on some matters. Latif went on to highlight the change in the PCB’s approach, particularly pointing out the shift in power to Aqib Javed, who now holds both the roles of selector and head coach. “The same power that led to the exits of Gary Kirsten and Gillespie is now in Aaqib’s hands. We’ve placed him in charge of both roles,” Latif remarked.

Rashid Latif also advised the PCB to reassess its decision-making framework. “There needs to be a balance in how decisions are made. The PCB must change its approach,” he insisted. Reflecting on the performance of foreign coaches, Latif noted that they tend to uphold strong principles. “Foreign coaches don’t compromise on their principles. Mickey Arthur, for example, was strict with the players, which led to Pakistan becoming number one in T20I rankings,” Latif stated, underscoring the importance of discipline and structure in team management.

The former wicketkeeper has already been in the headlines for his recent comments, and his recent siding with the Australian may also ruffle some more feathers. However, his objections are not without merit. Pakistan has played a merry-go-round with the coaches, which has directly led to the team’s abysmal performance. With Aqib set to make way soon as well, the PCB is already proving Jason Gillespie and Rashid Latif’s point.