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Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan coach

Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan coach
Jason Gillespie, ex-head coach of Pakistan Cricket team speaks at a press conference at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on September on September 2, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 06 March 2025

Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan coach

Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan coach
  • Former Australian fast bowler accuses interim coach Aaqib Javed of working against him
  • Gillespie was appointed last April for two years as Pakistan’s coach but quit eight months later

ISLAMABAD: Jason Gillespie says he was undermined before quitting as Pakistan test cricket coach last December and has used a social media post to describe interim head coach Aaqib Javed as a “clown.”
Gillespie was a fast bowler who played 71 tests and 97 one-day internationals for Australia from 1996-2006 before going into coaching.
He was appointed last April for two years as Pakistan’s test coach but quit before a series in South Africa less than eight months later after an unsuccessful start.
He was the second foreigner to leave Pakistan’s program in less than two months after South African Gary Kirsten stepped down as limited-overs coach in October.
Aaqib, Pakistan’s national selector and interim head coach, acknowledged this week after Pakistan’s failure to reach the knockout stage of the Champions Trophy — following losses to New Zealand and India — that the chopping and changing hasn’t helped the national team.
“We have changed nearly 16 coaches and 26 selectors in the last two years or so,” he was quoted as saying at a news conference to announce the latest overhaul of Pakistan’s limited-overs squads. “You put that formula on any team in the world, I think they will also be in the same situation.
“Until you get consistency right from the top down to the bottom, from the chairman down, then your team will not progress.”
Gillespie responded to those comments by posting an Instagram story late Wednesday describing the analysis as “hilarious.”
“Aaqib was clearly undermining Gary and I behind the scenes campaigning to be the coach in all formats,” Gillespie posted. “He is a clown.”
Aaqib, a former Pakistan cricket international, had been acting as interim coach of the limited-overs squads following Kirsten’s departure when he took over the test squad from Gillespie.
Aaqib’s contract initially ran until the Champions Trophy but he is set to continue in the role while the Pakistan Cricket Board searches for a full-time replacement.


Aramco F4 ֱn Championship 2025 returns as part of Jeddah Season

Aramco F4 ֱn Championship 2025 returns as part of Jeddah Season
Updated 05 November 2025

Aramco F4 ֱn Championship 2025 returns as part of Jeddah Season

Aramco F4 ֱn Championship 2025 returns as part of Jeddah Season
  • Inclusion of the Aramco F4 ֱn Championship within the Jeddah Season reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a global hub for motorsport and entertainment
  • Promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport under the supervision of SAMF, the F4 Championship continues to reflect the Kingdom’s accelerating motorsport development

JEDDAH: The FIA-certified Aramco F4 ֱn Championship 2025 is set to ignite the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the fastest street circuit in the world, in less than a week as it returns for its next thrilling chapters. Forming part of the Jeddah Season, Rounds 3, 4 and 5 will take place on November 10–11, 14–15 and December 5-6 respectively on the banks of the Red Sea.

The inclusion of the Aramco F4 ֱn Championship within the Jeddah Season reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a global hub for motorsport and entertainment. The season continues to bring excitement and energy to Jeddah through major international events, cultural festivals, and world-class competitions that highlight ֱ’s vibrant spirit and ambition.

Promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the F4 Championship continues to reflect the Kingdom’s accelerating motorsport development and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Saudi and regional talent, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Aramco F4 series has rapidly established itself as one of the region’s most competitive single-seater championships, offering young drivers the opportunity to showcase their skills on some of the most prestigious racing circuits in the world.

The opening rounds in Bahrain kicked off the F4 Saudi season in spectacular fashion, delivering intense on-track battles and some scintillating breakout performances. After two action-packed weekends, Adam Al-Azhari and Kit Belofsky share the early spotlight with two wins apiece, while rising stars Nina Gademan and Ary Bansal also delivered impressive performances. As the series heads to Jeddah, anticipation is mounting, with the competition expected to reach new heights on the world’s fastest street circuit.

The upcoming Jeddah rounds will offer a full event of racing and entertainment, featuring a range of support races and interactive experiences for motorsport fans and families alike. Among them is Motor Mania, newly launched time attack Championship by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport a regional motorsport IP designed to promote racing across the Kingdom and neighbouring countries. The competition allows both aspiring and experienced drivers to test their skill, precision, and speed in a professional, time-based format.

A diverse lineup of support events and showcases will also take place alongside the F4 action, including the Corvette Club, Maserati MC20 and Saudi Supercar Club.

Beyond the racing, fans can enjoy a Fan Zone, Kid Zone, and Remote-Controlled Car Zone, as well as a Motorsport Merchandise Shop. A wide selection of food and beverage outlets will serve both local and international cuisines, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the events.

With Aramco as title partner, SAMF as the governing body, and ALTAWKILAT Motorsport as promoter, the Aramco F4 ֱn Championship continues to raise the bar for motorsport in the region, combining world-class racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere, and shaping a dynamic future for Saudi motorsport at the heart of Jeddah’s Corniche.