Shane Watson, the head coach of the Quetta Gladiators for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024) earned the distinction of becoming the most expensive coach in the league’s history. The Purple Force were although out of final contention losing Eliminator 2 to Islamabad United, their journey backed by Watson throughout the league was nothing short of exceptional.
They had a fine start to their PSL 2024 campaign with back-to-back wins, however, in their last five matches, they just managed to win one game. Despite the setbacks, Watson’s contributions to Gladiators receive massive praise.
Gladiators, the winners of PSL 2019, failed to qualify for four subsequent playoffs. However, with a change in coaching and captaincy, they bounced back, becoming the last team to reach the PSL 2024 playoffs with 11 points from five wins.
Working for just 28 days with Gladiators, Watson earned a whopping sum of $150,000 which makes around 15 lac PKR per day. Overall, just for PSL 2024, he earned an approximate sum up PKR 4 crore and 20 lac.
Earlier, former West Indies cricketer Vivian Richards used to get over $100,000 for mentoring Gladiators, however, this amount was reduced to $75,000 after COVID. Leaving behind Richards, Watson is now the most expensive coach in PSL history.
It is pertinent to mention that Watson was reportedly offered a $2 million annual salary for coaching the Pakistan cricket team in limited-overs cricket. However, the ex-Australian all-rounder declined the offer, given his commitments as a commentator in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).
It would have made him the most expensive coach in the history of Pakistan Cricket. However, Watson had other plans. Yet, he managed to achieve this record somehow in the PSL 2024, breaking the boundaries with the highest salary for fewer days.
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