Herschelle Gibbs Named Karachi Kings Head Coach

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings have appointed former South African opener Herschelle Gibbs as their coach for the next season. Herschelle Gibbs replaces the late cricketer, Dean Jones, who passed away last year in Mumbai due to a cardiac arrest. Karachi Kings captured their maiden title in PSL 2020, dedicating the same to Jones.

Herschelle Gibbs’ most recent coaching stint was in Lanka Premier League 2020 with Colombo Kings, who topped the group stage before losing the semi-final. However, Gibbs departed midway through the tournament as his family had contracted COVID-19 back home. The 46-year old has also coached Kuwait and in the Afghanistan domestic circuit – the Shpageeza Cricket League and Afghan T20 league.

Gibbs’ inclusion arrives as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepares for the sixth season of PSL with the player draft scheduled for the 10th of January. Every team is permitted to retain eight players with a restriction of having one overseas cricketer from the platinum category. Last year’s tournament was the first that the PCB staged entirely in Pakistan whereas usually, the UAE plays as the hosts. PSL’s sixth season will take place in Karachi and Lahore.

Herschelle Gibbs, the third coach of Karachi Kings in five seasons:

Meanwhile, Herschelle Gibbs is the third coach for the franchise in five seasons following Mickey Arthur and Dean Jones. Mickey Arthur held the position from the inaugural edition till 2017 before Dean Jones took over last year. Gibbs’ fellow countryman, Gary Kirsten was also in contention; however, the former was the first choice. Wasim Akram will continue to serve as President and head of the cricketing operations in the franchise.

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