In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, Quetta Gladiators have appointed a seasoned former Australian pacer and Pakistan’s bowling coach as their fast bowling coach. The 40-year-old Shaun Tait, who previously coached the Afghanistan cricket team in the 2021 T20 World Cup and served as Pakistan’s coach from March 2022 to January 2023, expressed his excitement to work with talented players like Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Hasnain, and Mohammad Amir.
The new fast bowling coach will have the opportunity to collaborate with former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, who has been appointed as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators. Watson took over the role after Moin Khan was elevated to the position of Team Director from head coach. Moin Khan had a successful eight-year stint as head coach, leading the team to a PSL championship in 2019 and two runner-up finishes.
Quetta Gladiators made significant changes to their squad with three trades before the PSL 9 draft on December 13, involving players like Rilee Rossouw, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Notable draft picks include retired Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir and West Indies’ hard-hitter Sherfaine Rutherford in the Platinum category.
The departure of Naseem Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed, traded to Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, respectively, marked a shift in the team’s composition. Despite the changes, Quetta Gladiators are confident in their draft selections and believe they have assembled a competitive squad for PSL season nine.
The coaching staff, including the newly appointed fast bowling coach and head coach Shane Watson, are optimistic about the upcoming season. The team, known for its consistent success and growth under Moin Khan, is focused on building on past achievements. As they gear up for the challenges of PSL season nine, Quetta Gladiators’ mix of experienced players and promising talents generates anticipation for an exciting and competitive performance in the tournament.
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