PSL 2024: Karachi Kings Rope In T20 World Cup-Winning Coach As Their Head Coach

Karachi Kings have roped in former West Indies allrounder Phil Simmons as their head coach ahead of the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024). The Karachi-based outfit has implemented several changes following the disastrous campaign last season, during which they secured only three wins in 10 games and finished second from the bottom.

Phil Simmons has replaced former South Africa spinner Johan Botha as the head coach of the team. While the former cricketer is gearing up for his first coaching stint in the PSL, he is not new to coaching. He has coached teams not only in international cricket but also in franchise cricket.

Way back in 2004, he was appointed Zimbabwe’s head coach before enjoying a long tenure with Ireland. It was followed by a stint with West Indies. He was the head coach when the Caribbean outfit won the T20 World Cup in 2016.

The 60-year-old also served as the head coach of Afghanistan before being reappointed as West Indies coach. His second term as West Indies coach ended after the team’s first-round exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

In franchise cricket, Phil Simmons is currently serving as the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC).

Feels like homecoming: Phil Simmons on being named as Karachi Kings coach

Phil Simmons expressed his delight over being named as Karachi Kings’ head coach. The former West Indies cricketer, who played one international game in Karachi during the 1987 World Cup, said:

“Returning to Karachi, a city I hold dear from my playing days, feels like a homecoming. I am thrilled to join forces with Haider Azhar and the rest of the team’s think tank, drawing from the rich cricketing heritage of this country.

“I am thankful to team owner Salman Iqbal, CEO Tariq Wasi, and Karachi Kings management for this opportunity. We are eager to move ahead with our rebuilding and restart process of Karachi Kings and establish this franchise as a match-winning unit,” he added.

Bringing Caribbean touch to #KingsSquad ?

Welcoming Phil Simmons, as our new head coach for #HBLPSL9 ?❤️#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #KarachiKings pic.twitter.com/5fovX091SU

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) December 11, 2023

Karachi Kings will be hoping that Simmons’ arrival changes their fortunes as they eye their second PSL title and first since 2020. They also failed to make it to the playoffs in the last two seasons of the competition. PSL 2024 is is scheduled to be played from February 13 to March 18.