Sarfaraz Ahmed set to become Quetta Gladiators head coach after PSL 2025 draft snub

Former Pakistan and Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will take on a "new and transitional role" after going unpicked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 draft. According to reports in Geo News, Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to be named the head coach of the Quetta Gladiators franchise for the upcoming season.

Sarfaraz was part of the Quetta Gladiators since the Pakistan Super League's inception and was released by the franchise earlier this month. There was speculation that the Gladiators might re-sign the wicketkeeper-batter during the PSL 10 draft. However, he officially parted ways with the team on Sunday.

Sarfaraz Ahmed Set to Replace Shane Watson as Quetta Gladiators' Head Coach

Sarfaraz Ahmed is reportedly set to become the head coach of Quetta Gladiators. This follows Shane Watson's decision to step down as head coach for the upcoming season due to scheduling conflicts with other professional commitments. Watson was initially named head coach for the 2024 season.

Watson will not be part of this year's Pakistan Super League. Media outlets have reported that Sarfaraz Ahmed is almost certain to be appointed as the new head coach of Quetta Gladiators. An official announcement from the franchise is anticipated soon.

I Want to Take This Opportunity to Thank Nadeem Bhai - Sarfaraz Ahmed

The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter shared an emotional farewell post on social media at the end of his nine-year journey with the Quetta Gladiators. In the post, he expressed gratitude towards the franchise's owner, Nadeem Omar, for his unwavering support, both as a player and as captain.

“Today I want to tell you that my time with Quetta Gladiators has come to an end and I feel very proud that my journey of 9 years with this amazing team has been wonderful and beautiful," wrote Sarfaraz.

“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.

“My best wishes will always be with your team and lastly I would like to thank your team management who have been great. Special thanks to Azam Bhai.”

PSL 2025 Scheduled to Take Place Between April and May

Sarfaraz was with the Gladiators since the PSL's inception. He led the team to their maiden and only title in 2019. Ahmed scored 1525 runs in 86 matches at an average of 29.32, including seven fifties. However, his long-standing captaincy came to an end when Rilee Rossouw replaced him in the 2023 season.

The PSL 10 is scheduled to take place between April and May, but the full schedule and venues have not yet been confirmed. The draft for the 2025 season, held in Lahore, saw prominent players like David Warner, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Litton Das securing spots with their respective teams.

Also read: James Anderson announces return to T20 cricket after 11 years, signs deal with this team