Jason Gillespie Slams PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for Skipping Key Team-Building Camp
In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan Test team coach Jason Gillespie has publicly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his absence from a vital team-building initiative, dubbed the Connection Camp, held on September 23, 2024, in Lahore. While coaches and officials flew in from across the globe to attend, Naqvi, who is based in Lahore, opted to join virtually via Zoom—a decision Gillespie described as ‘unusual‘ and disappointing.
The Connection Camp, a brainchild of white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, was designed to foster communication, collaboration, and camaraderie within the national squad ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming international commitments. Gillespie, who flew in from Australia, and Kirsten, who traveled from South Africa, were both present in person, alongside a host of players and support staff. However, Naqvi’s decision to dial in rather than attend a session just a 20-minute drive from his location has raised eyebrows.
Speaking on a popular cricket podcast, Gillespie didn’t hold back. ‘Gary came up with this fantastic idea for the Connection Camp. It was a chance for everyone involved in Pakistan cricket to share their experiences and build stronger bonds. I flew in from Australia, Gary from South Africa, yet the Chairman, based in Lahore, just dialed in on Zoom. We both felt it was a bit unusual that he couldn’t even drive 20 minutes to be there in person,’ said the former Australian pacer, who resigned from his coaching role with Pakistan late last year after a tenure marked by mixed results.
The camp saw participation from several marquee Pakistani players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Shadab Khan, and emerging talents like Saim Ayub. According to PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, the initiative was a ‘timely and innovative step‘ to address internal challenges and align the team’s vision. The absence of the board’s top official, however, has cast a shadow over the event, fueling debates about leadership commitment within the PCB.
This isn’t the first time the PCB has faced scrutiny. The board has been grappling with controversies ranging from frequent changes in coaching staff to inconsistent team performances. Pakistan’s Test record under Gillespie included a historic series loss to Bangladesh in 2024, a result that intensified pressure on the management. Gillespie’s departure shortly after was attributed to differences over team selection and strategy, though he remains a respected voice in the cricketing fraternity for his blunt honesty and dedication.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Gillespie’s remarks highlight a perceived disconnect between the PCB’s top brass and the on-ground realities faced by coaches and players. With Pakistan gearing up for crucial fixtures, including the 2025 Champions Trophy on home soil, such incidents raise questions about unity and accountability at the administrative level. Will Naqvi address these concerns and bridge the gap, or will this episode add to the list of unresolved issues plaguing Pakistan cricket?
In conclusion, the Connection Camp was meant to be a stepping stone toward a more cohesive Pakistan cricket setup, but the absence of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has turned it into a talking point for all the wrong reasons. As fans and stakeholders await an official response, one thing is clear—Jason Gillespie’s critique has struck a chord, emphasizing the need for visible leadership and unwavering commitment at the helm of Pakistan cricket.