Jason Gillespie Returns to Pakistan Cricket as Head Coach of Kingsmen Hyderabad Franchise

Jason Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler, is set to return to Pakistan cricket as the head coach of the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Kingsmen Hyderabad.

This comes after he parted ways with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in late 2024. Fawad Sarwar, who acquired the franchise for Pakistani Rs 175,000 crore, confirmed Gillespie's appointment alongside assistant coaches Grant Bradburn and Craig White for PSL 11.

Gillespie's departure from his role as head coach of Pakistan's Test team was due to disagreements over authority and decision-making powers with the PCB. Despite having a two-year contract, he left after 8-9 months. During his tenure, Pakistan secured a Test series victory against England at home and won one-day series in Australia

and South Africa while he served as interim white-ball coach.

New Franchise Owner's Ambitions

Sarwar, a Pakistani businessman based in the United States, also manages cricket teams and a ground there. His cricket brand is known as Kingsmen. He expressed pride in owning the Hyderabad franchise, stating it was a significant achievement. "My goals are to win the PSL and also work with the PCB to renovate and upgrade the Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad to make it our home ground in the PSL," he added.

Bradburn, who previously served as an assistant coach and later head coach for Pakistan, resigned after the 2023 World Cup following an agreement with the PCB. Sarwar believes that Australia has some of the best coaches, which influenced his decision to hire Gillespie. "We have brought in the best for our team," Sarwar stated.

Coaching Team's Preparations

The coaching panel is actively working on assembling players for the franchise ahead of the auction scheduled for 11th February. Sarwar emphasised that his cricket operations are managed under a proper system. "Which is why we went for Gillespie," he added.

Gillespie had previously criticised the PCB's working style after his resignation. Despite this, his return to Pakistan cricket marks a new chapter with Kingsmen Hyderabad as they prepare for their debut in PSL 11.

With inputs from PTI