Karachi Kings name Steve Kirby as their new bowling Coach ahead of PSL 9

Updated - 12 Feb 2024, 01:28 PM

Steve Kirby while working with Arjun Tendulkar
Steve Kirby while working with Arjun Tendulkar (Credits: Instagram)

Pakistan Super League outfit Karachi Kings have appointed former right-arm fast-medium bowler Steve Kirby as their bowling coach ahead of the 9th edition of PSL, which is set to start from tomorrow onwards at the Multan cricket stadium with last year’s finalists – Multan Sultans (runners-up) and reigning champions Lahore Qalandars going head-to-head in the opening match of the season.

But one of the best hirings in terms of coaches has been made by the Karachi Kings just a day before the start of PSL 9. Steve Kirby, an Englishman, brings a plethora of experience and expertise in managing as well as helping players nourish their skills to be well-prepared for cricket at the highest levels.

Kirby had a very successful first-class cricketing career and has an incredible record in the English county scene. The 46-year-old also has a very unique story as to how he became a county cricket legend who never actually had or received the chance to represent the England national side.

Also Read: Ben Stokes will not let India rest warns former Australian legend Ian Chappell

Born in Lancashire, Steve Kirby was released by his hometown county club back in 2001 due to his constant struggles with a back injury and he would work as a floor salesman for the next couple of years before Yorkshire county club offered him a chance to play for them following decent performances in club cricket for Lancashire.

The 6ft3in pacer had arrived in the Yorkshire team as an emergency replacement before earning a first pro contract a couple of months later and also helping the club win a domestic title. He would then move to clubs like Gloucestershire before calling time on his career while playing for Somerset.

Steve Kirby had a total of 572 first-class wickets from just 167 matches but he never became an England international, however, his coaching ability is such that he has even worked as the head coach for Marylebone Cricket Club, also known as MCC.

His arrival as the bowling coach for Shan Masood’s Karachi Kings team will boost their bowling attack which has some renowned figures like – Daniel Sams, Mir Hamza, and Hasan Ali among others. The Kings will start their PSL 9 campaign with a clash against Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi on February 14th at the National Karachi stadium before welcoming Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Lahore Qalandars in their next 3 home games.

Also Read: “Results don’t matter..”- Mohammad Kaif after India lose yet another ICC final to Australia

“His Expertise Will Play A Pivotal Role”, Kings’ CEO Opines On Steve Kirby’s Impact

The CEO of Karachi Kings was delighted to welcome Steve Kirby as their new bowling coach and latest addition to their coaching staff. CEO Tariq Wasi stated that Kirby has a proven track record and his proficient knowledge as well as awareness about the game will be helpful for the Karachi-based outfit to claim their first PSL title since 2020.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Kirby to the Karachi Kings family. His wealth of experience and proven track record make him an invaluable addition to our coaching staff. We believe his expertise will play a pivotal role in nurturing our fast bowlers and elevating the team’s performance in the upcoming season.” – Tariq Wasi, Karachi Kings CEO told Cricket Pakistan.

Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal the next Sourav Ganguly? Former Indian cricketer lavishes praise on Indian opener

Tagged:

Karachi Kings Pakistan Super League 2024 Steve Kirby