KARACHI: Former Pakistan and Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was notably absent from the PSL 10 draft, is now poised to be appointed as the new head coach of the Gladiators.
This development comes after former Australian captain Shane Watson, who was named as the Gladiators' head coach for the 2024 season, decided to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts with other professional commitments.
As a result, Watson will not be available for this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Media outlets have reported that Sarfaraz’s appointment is all but official, with the franchise expected to announce the decision soon.
Sarfaraz’s tenure with the Gladiators began with the inception of the league, and over the years, he became a key figure, leading the team to its maiden and only PSL title in 2019.
During his time with the team, he played 86 matches for the Gladiators, scoring 1525 runs at an average of 29.32, including seven half-centuries.
However, the 2023 season saw Sarfaraz replaced by South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw as the team’s captain, marking the end of his long leadership role with the franchise.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, Sarfaraz also bid farewell to the team ahead of the 10th edition of PSL.
The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared a memorable photo with the franchise’s owner, Nadeem Omar, and expressed his gratitude for the support he had received during his time with the team.
“Today I want to tell you that my time with Quetta Gladiators has come to an end and I feel very proud that my journey of 9 years with this amazing team has been wonderful and beautiful, wrote Sarfaraz.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Nadeem Bhai for giving me the opportunity to play for his team and for providing everything that I needed as a player and captain and I will always remember your support throughout this time.
“My best wishes will always be with your team and lastly I would like to thank your team management who have been great. Special thanks to Azam Bhai.”
For the unversed, the PSL 10 draft took place in Lahore on Monday, with notable players such as David Warner, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and Litton Das securing spots with their respective teams.
Details regarding the venues and schedule for the tournament, which will take place in the April-May window, are yet to be revealed.
- Sarfaraz Ahmed