Former Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie has criticised his successor, Aaqib Javed, describing him as a “clown” and accusing him of undermining both himself and former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten to assume their positions.

Gillespie and Kirsten were appointed to their roles in April 2024, but both resigned before the year concluded, making way for Aaqib’s appointment.

The former Australian fast bowler’s comments came after Aaqib made a social media post suggesting that Pakistan’s recent poor performance was due to “instability” among selectors and coaches.

The Green Shirts team faced a disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, failing to secure a single victory during the group stage.

On Tuesday, Aaqib Javed commented on the frequent changes in Pakistan’s coaching staff, stating, “We changed 16 coaches in the last two-and-a-half years and 26 selectors. If you do this to any team in the world, their performance would be the same.”

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In a social media response, former head coach Gillespie found humour in Aaqib’s statements, asserting, “This is hilarious. Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and me behind the scenes, campaigning to be the coach in all formats. He is a clown.”

Kirsten, the former South African batter, served as the white-ball head coach for just six months before resigning in October. In Kirsten’s absence, Gillespie took interim charge during a white-ball tour in Australia, leading the team to a one-day series victory but losing the T20 series. Aaqib then assumed permanent control of the coaching staff.