Jason Gillespie calls Sunil Gavaskar’s comments on Pakistan team ‘absolute nonsense’

Gavaskar recently claimed that even a second or third-string Indian team could challenge Pakistan’s current ODI squad

PHOTO: FILE

Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has strongly disagreed with Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks about Pakistan’s competitiveness.

Gavaskar recently claimed that even a second or third-string Indian team could challenge Pakistan’s current ODI squad. His comments came after Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai.

In response, Gillespie dismissed Gavaskar’s opinion in a recent interview.

"I don't buy this rhetoric. I saw some comments from Sunil Gavaskar about the Indian B team or Indian C team beating Pakistan's top team. That's nonsense. Absolute nonsense. If Pakistan pick and stick with the right players and give them time to shine, time to learn, and develop their games, they can beat anyone. I have got no doubt about that," he said.

He highlighted that Pakistan has plenty of talent but needs consistency in team selection.

"The key is selecting the right kind of players, supporting them, and being patient. In my opinion, there’s far too much impatience in Pakistan cricket," he added.

Gillespie also stressed the importance of stability in management and decision-making.

"If the PCB, as a board, wants to change and get the right results, they need to get the right people, the right selection panel, and give players time to flourish and do their job. If you are hiring a new coach, give him the opportunity to do something meaningful, give him the time. Otherwise, the results are going to be the same," he said.

Pakistan had a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy, becoming the first team to be eliminated despite being the host nation. They lost their opening match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, followed by a crushing defeat against India on February 23 in Dubai. Their last group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain, leaving them winless in the tournament.