Former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has dismissed Sunil Gavaskar’s assertion that even India’s second-string team could defeat a full-strength Pakistan side. The former Australian fast bowler labeled the remark as “absolute nonsense” and emphasized that Pakistan can achieve positive results by backing the right players.
Following Pakistan’s winless exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy, Gavaskar stated in an interaction with ‘India Today’ that India could overcome the current Pakistan team even without their key players. The Men in Green suffered a heavy loss to their arch-rivals after an emphatic defeat to New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament.
Addressing Gavaskar’s comments, Gillespie, as quoted by ‘The Hindustan Times’, stated:
“I don’t buy this rhetoric. I saw some comments from Sunil Gavaskar about the Indian B team or Indian C team would beat the Pakistan top team. That’s nonsense.”
”Absolute nonsense. If Pakistan pick and stick with the right players and give them time to shine and, time to learn and develop their games, they can beat anyone. I’ve got no doubt about that.”
The eight-team tournament was a historic event for Pakistan, marking the country’s first time hosting an ICC competition since 1996. However, their fans were deeply disappointed by the men’s team’s underwhelming performances. Additionally, with India securing a spot in the final, the title clash will not take place in Pakistan.
“Pakistan Cricket Lacks Patience” – Jason Gillespie
Jason Gillespie emphasized that Pakistan’s management needs to make careful player selections and provide them with extended opportunities to achieve positive outcomes. The 49-year-old pointed out that frequent squad changes would hinder progress rather than improve results. He further stated:
“The high-end talent just got to pick the right high-end talent and support them and be patient with them. You know, there’s far too much impatience, in my opinion, in Pakistan cricket.”
“And if Pakistan, if the board, PCB want change and want results to improve, they need to get the right people in place, get the right players on the bus, get the right selection panel in place and back them in and give them time and be patient with them to allow them to do their jobs.”
“And the same goes with the coaches. If you’re going to give a coach an opportunity, give them an opportunity to really build something meaningful because otherwise, the results are going to stay the same.”
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