Quetta Gladiators part ways with Sarfaraz as captain

In a surprising move ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024), Quetta Gladiators have decided to part ways with Sarfaraz Ahmed as their captain. The decision was confirmed by the team owner, Nadeem Omer, indicating a significant change in leadership for the franchise.

Ahmed, who has been at the helm of Quetta Gladiators for several seasons, has voluntarily stepped down from the captaincy, expressing a desire for a break from the responsibilities of leadership. The task of selecting a new captain will now fall to the newly appointed head coach, Shane Watson, who will consult with the team management before making a decision. Among the contenders for the captaincy are Rilee Rossouw and Saud Shakeel, both of whom bring valuable experience to the table.

“Sarfaraz wants to take a break from captaincy with new head coach Shane Watson set to decide who will lead the side after consulting with the team management,” said the owner.

Who will be new skipper of Quetta Gladiators?

While an official announcement regarding the new captain is yet to be made, Quetta Gladiators fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the team evolves under fresh leadership. Despite this change, Sarfaraz Ahmed leaves behind a legacy of success, having led the team to three finals and clinching the title in 2019.

Owner Omer expressed his satisfaction with the return of Shane Watson as the head coach and hinted at the possibility of recruiting Kevin Pietersen to the coaching staff, demonstrating the franchise’s commitment to assembling a formidable team.

“The old family of Quetta Gladiators has started coming together again. Pietersen should also come with Quetta Gladiators in some role,”

The Quetta Gladiators’ PSL 9 squad boasts a strong lineup including players like Rossouw, Wasim, Roy, Hasaranga, Sarfaraz, and Amir, promising an exciting display of cricketing talent in the tournament.

Scheduled to be held across multiple venues including Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, PSL 9 will culminate in the final on March 18 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The tournament will be divided into two legs, with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting matches from February 17 to 27, followed by matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium and National Bank Stadium from February 28 to March 12. The playoffs will be held entirely in Karachi, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this year’s PSL.