LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has stepped into a new leadership role as the Team Director of Quetta Gladiators for the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X. The 2019 PSL champions, currently placed fifth on the points table with one win from three matches, are hoping to revive their fortunes as they continue their campaign in the high-profile T20 league.
After playing in Rawalpindi and Karachi, the Gladiators returned to Lahore for their upcoming home fixtures. They are set to play five matches in Lahore, where they have resumed training at the LCCA Ground, a venue recently used for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, who captained Pakistan to memorable victories, including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2006 ICC U19 World Cup, has a special bond with the Quetta franchise. He led the Gladiators to their first-ever PSL title in 2019, and now, as Team Director, he is focused on guiding the team from the dugout.
Speaking about his transition from player to team director, Sarfaraz said, “It’s an exciting and challenging role. Moving from playing to a coaching position is not easy, but it's a part of evolving as a cricketer. I’ve been with Quetta since the beginning of the PSL, and this role gives me an opportunity to give back in a different capacity.”
Sarfaraz also praised the growth of the PSL, stating, “The PSL has come a long way since its inception in 2016. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and all stakeholders have worked tirelessly to make it a global success. We need to continue that momentum.”
Reflecting on the Gladiators’ title-winning season in 2019, Sarfaraz remarked, “That win remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. We had the perfect combination that year, and we aim to recreate that success this season.”
Looking ahead to the current season, Sarfaraz expressed optimism about Quetta’s overseas recruits, saying, “Although we haven’t performed well in the past three seasons, we’ve selected overseas players suited to T20 cricket this time, and we are hopeful for better results.”
He also praised young talents such as Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay, adding, “Hasan has great potential, and this is a great opportunity for him. Khawaja has done well domestically and has a lot to learn from this platform.”
Sarfaraz also voiced full support for Saud Shakeel’s leadership, saying, “Saud has the full backing of the team. He led us well in our first win, and we trust him to take the team forward.”
