Pakistan cricket is once again under the microscope after a dramatic week that featured an on-field confrontation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and an escalating off-field legal battle involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former head coach Jason Gillespie.
Colin Munro accuses Iftikhar Ahmed of ‘chucking’ during PSL match
The controversy began during a high-stakes PSL 2025 clash between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United, when New Zealand batter Colin Munro accused Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed of “chucking” — a rare and inflammatory allegation in the modern game.
The incident occurred in the 10th over of Islamabad’s innings. After defending a delivery from Iftikhar, Munro turned toward the bowler and alleged he was using an illegal action. The accusation sparked a heated on-field exchange between the two players, forcing umpires to intervene and restore order.
Despite the confrontation, no official warning or investigation was issued by the umpires. However, the moment ignited intense debate across social media and among cricket analysts, with many questioning both Munro’s actions and the umpires’ silence.
The public nature of the accusation, combined with its sensitivity, has drawn widespread attention — highlighting tensions simmering beneath the surface during what has already been a combative PSL season.
PCB-Gillespie standoff over contract and pay
Off the field, the Pakistan Cricket Board found itself in damage control after reports emerged that Jason Gillespie, the former red-ball head coach, had approached the ICC and the World Cricketers’ Association over alleged unpaid dues.
The PCB swiftly denied the claims, asserting it acted entirely within the boundaries of Gillespie’s contract. According to a senior board official: “There was a clear contract between the board and Gillespie, and the PCB is only acting on what is laid down in the contract.”
The dispute reportedly centers on unpaid performance-related bonuses tied to Pakistan’s Test series win over England and an ODI series in Australia. Gillespie contends that these bonuses were never paid out, despite the team’s achievements under his guidance.
However, the PCB argues Gillespie failed to serve the mandatory notice period required under the contract before resigning, and has passed the matter to its legal department. “He didn’t give the required notice period, and we are acting as per our agreement,” the source added.
Gillespie and white-ball coach Gary Kirsten were both appointed to lead Pakistan’s national sides last year on two-year deals. But both coaches stepped down within months, reportedly over conflicts around autonomy and team management authority.
Leadership in transition amid growing pressure
Following their exit, former fast bowler Aaqib Javed was installed as the interim head coach across both red- and white-ball formats, marking yet another shift in an already turbulent year for Pakistan cricket.
As scrutiny intensifies, the dual storm of the Munro-Iftikhar ‘chucking’ spat and the Gillespie contract dispute has once again spotlighted deeper issues within Pakistan’s cricketing administration — from disciplinary oversight in domestic tournaments to governance and contract transparency at the board level.
With key international assignments looming, the PCB will need to quickly manage the fallout — both to stabilize its public image and to prevent further erosion of trust within the global cricket community.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
