Former Pakistan bowling coach Jason Gillespie has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for suspending Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla from his post, following the controversial referee row that has rocked the Asia Cup.
Usman was recently suspended by the PCB after the board expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in his response to India’s refusal to shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team after their match.
While the news made headlines, PCB personnel and cricketing pundits largely remained silent, until Jason Gillespie broke ranks. The Australian, who worked closely with Wahla during his tenure as Pakistan’s Test coach, took to social media to condemn the board’s decision, suggesting that reforms are needed at higher levels to improve Pakistan cricket.
“What a joke! Usman Wahla is one of the really good people in Pakistan Cricket. For progression in the PCB, maybe they need to look higher,” the former Australia pacer wrote.
Jason Gillespie, who resigned from his PCB role in 2024, has been at odds with the governing body since his departure. He has repeatedly pointed to Aaqib Javed as a key figure behind Pakistan’s stagnation and may have been alluding to him again in his latest remarks.
Usman Wahla’s suspension underscores the gravity of the situation, placing Pakistan cricket at a critical crossroads. With international attention now focused on the PCB’s handling of the Asia Cup controversy, this intervention by Jason Gillespie has ensured the debate is no longer confined to domestic circles, it has gained traction abroad.
As Pakistan’s participation in the 2025 Asia Cup hangs in the balance, the fallout from Wahla’s suspension and Gillespie’s public rebuke reflects deeper unrest within the PCB. The board’s next steps could very well define the future of Pakistan cricket team.
The best and only revenge was to beat India instead of making so much noise. Whole cricket world are keeping quiet. None of them condemned Indian misbehaving action.