Rilee Rossouw to become Quetta Gladiators' new captain? Massive update from franchise owner shakes up PSL 2024

Updated - 13 Feb 2024, 06:23 PM

Rilee Rossouw for Quetta Gladiators in PSL
Rilee Rossouw for Quetta Gladiators in PSL. Image Credits: Twitter

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators can see a new skipper in the upcoming season as there are talks regarding Sarfaraz Ahmed to get a break from captaincy. Nadeem Omar, owner of Quetta Gladiators talked about the franchise’s performance in the last few seasons and has indicated a leadership change.

Quetta Gladiators invited Shane Watson as the new head coach of the franchise and he has suggested that Sarfaraz Ahmed should get a break from captaincy and they have Rilee Rossouw as the alternative.

Rilee Rossouw has never led a side in any format and that is the biggest concern with the Gladiators about giving the South African batter a chance of leading the Quetta-based franchise in the PSL.

Rilee Roussow is a great batter in the shortest format known for his big hits and wonderful strike rate. He has played 29 T20Is for South Africa and has scored 767 runs in 27 innings which includes three half-centuries and two centuries and a terrific strike rate of 159.79.

Nadeem Omar has said that a decision regarding Sarfaraz’s future will be taken soon and whether Rilee Rossouw will be the new captain or not will be decided between Sarfaraz and Watson.

Sarfaraz Ahmed led the Quetta Gladiators to the PSL title in 2019 when they defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the finals. However, apart from that one title, the team has not achieved success and as a result, they are looking for some change in the squad.

“Rilee Rossouw, a possible alternative, has not led any team yet, so we are confused. Whether Sarfaraz is captain or not, this team will remain his. If we feel satisfied, we will make a decision. We have left this decision to Sarfaraz and Watson. The way the team has performed, people also want change. We have made enough changes,” said Nadeem Omar (owner of Quetta Gladiators).

Quetta Gladiators Will Start Their PSL 2024 Campaign Against Peshawar Zalmi

The Quetta Gladiators will face Peshawar Zalmi in their first game of this year’s Pakistan Super League and the team is looking strong this year. The Pakistan Super League will commence on February 17, Saturday with the inaugural match to be played between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United.

Lahore Qalandars are entering the tournament after winning the league two times in a row and are looking to win it for the third consecutive time meanwhile Quetta Gladiators finished in the bottom two during the last season.

This season will be the ninth season of the HBL Pakistan Super League, six teams will take part in the league each team will play 10 games and then the top four teams at the points table will qualify for the playoffs.

The top two teams will play in the first qualifier where the winner will directly qualify for the finals and the loser will get another chance in the second qualifier. Quetta Gladiators hope to at least qualify for the playoffs this season and it will be a bonus if they finish in the top two.