Sarfaraz set to make coaching debut

Quetta Gladiators part ways with Shane Watson

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was not picked in the PSL 10 draft, is set to take on a new role as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators, according to reports.

This move follows the withdrawal of Shane Watson, the Australian legend who was initially named head coach for the 2024 season.

Watson's decision to step down came due to scheduling conflicts with other professional commitments, meaning he will miss this year's Pakistan Super League.

Sources close to the Gladiators say that Sarfaraz's appointment as head coach is nearly confirmed, and the franchise is expected to announce the decision soon.

Sarfaraz's connection with Quetta Gladiators dates back to the beginning of the league, where he played a key role in leading the team to their first and only PSL title in 2019. He played 86 matches for the Gladiators, scoring 1525 runs at an average of 29.32, with seven half-centuries.

However, during the 2023 season, Sarfaraz was replaced by South Africa's Rilee Rossouw as the team's captain, marking the end of his long-standing leadership role with the Gladiators.

In an emotional post on social media, Sarfaraz recently bid farewell to the Gladiators, reflecting on his nine-year journey with the team.

He thanked Nadeem Omar, the franchise owner, for the opportunity to play and lead, and expressed gratitude to the team management.

"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," Sarfaraz wrote.

As the Gladiators prepare for PSL 10, it looks like Sarfaraz will return to the franchise, this time as their head coach, guiding the team in the upcoming season.

PSL 10 will be played in the April-May window, and while the full schedule and venues have not yet been announced.