Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is set to take on a new challenge as he has been appointed as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
This move marks the Gladiators’ first coaching change since the inception of the tournament, with former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Moin Khan transitioning to the role of team director after eight years as coach.
Shane Watson, who played a pivotal role in Quetta Gladiators’ early success in the PSL, has been described as an integral part of the team’s history. Team owner Nadeem Omar expressed confidence in Watson’s ability to lead the side and revive the glory days the franchise is known for.
Watson, with an illustrious career as an all-rounder for Australia, retired from all cricket in 2020 after winning the World Cup in 2007 and 2015 as part of the Australian team.
In 2022, Watson took on a coaching role with the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, serving as an assistant coach alongside his former Australia teammate Ricky Ponting. Earlier this year, he was appointed as the head coach of the Major League Cricket franchise San Francisco Unicorns, showcasing his growing involvement in coaching roles post-retirement.
Quetta Gladiators, known as the most consistent franchise in the PSL during its initial four editions, reached the final three times and secured the title in 2019. However, their performance dipped in the last four seasons, missing out on the playoffs under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Watson, who joined the Gladiators in 2018, played a vital role in their success during the PSL 2019, emerging as their greatest overseas player over his three-season stint until 2020.