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Pakistan cricketer Saud Shakeel has hilariously trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its never-ending coaching reshuffles. Known for his calm demeanor on the field, Shakeel showed his witty side during a recent interview when he was asked what he would do if appointed PCB chairman.
His response? A savage dig at PCB’s instability over the years.
“First of all, I’ll bring one head coach, and nobody will be able to remove him. Even if I am sacked as chairman, he’d still be the head coach for at least three years!”
He then followed it up with a cheeky one-liner:
“Maine khatarnak baat kardi hai!” (I’ve said something dangerous!)
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Pakistan Cricket’s Never-Ending Coaching Carousel
Shakeel’s remark perfectly captures the chaotic decision-making in Pakistan cricket, especially regarding coaching appointments. Since Mickey Arthur was removed in 2019, Pakistan has had nearly a dozen head coaches, making it almost impossible to build stability.
Here’s a quick recap of Pakistan’s head coaches since 2019:
- Misbah-ul-Haq (2019-21)
- Saqlain Mushtaq (2021-23)
- Abdul Rehman (Interim, 2023)
- Grant Bradburn (2023)
- Mohammad Hafeez (2023-24)
- Azhar Mahmood (Interim, 2024, now assistant coach)
- Jason Gillespie (Tests, 2024)
- Gary Kirsten (T20Is and ODIs, 2024)
- Aaqib Javed (2025-Present, All Formats)
This list highlights the constant chopping and changing within the team, leading to inconsistency in performances.
Aaqib Javed’s Struggles as Head Coach
Shakeel’s joke comes at a time when Aaqib Javed is struggling as Pakistan’s head coach. Since taking over before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Javed’s tenure has been far from ideal. Under him, Pakistan:
- Lost the home tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.
- Crashed out of the Champions Trophy 2025 without a single win.
- Lost back-to-back ODI and T20I series to New Zealand.
Javed himself acknowledged the lack of stability in Pakistan cricket, stating that too many changes in captains, coaches, and PCB chairmen negatively impact the team’s performance.
“Since last year, look at how many captains, coaches, selectors, and chairmen have changed. This is never an ideal situation for a team.”
Jason Gillespie Calls Aaqib Javed a “Clown”
Ironically, Aaqib’s complaints about inconsistency led to another controversy. Former Test coach Jason Gillespie slammed Javed on social media, calling him a “clown” and a “hypocrite”, accusing him of undermining previous coaches to get the top job himself.
“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.”
Shakeel’s Comment Reflects a Deeper Issue
Saud Shakeel’s witty remark may have been a joke, but it reflects a deeper problem in Pakistan cricket—the lack of long-term planning and stability. Without a consistent coaching structure, the team struggles to build momentum and reach its full potential.
For now, Shakeel’s hilarious take has left fans in splits, but whether PCB will finally bring consistency remains the biggest question.
