Quetta Gladiators appoint Sarfaraz Ahmed as their team director.
Quetta Gladiators Aim to Boost PSL Championship Win With a Refreshed Strategy
Former Pakistani cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, now serving as Team Director for Quetta Gladiators in PSL X, is leading a renewed ambition for the 2019 champions during the ongoing tournament.
Currently placed fifth in the points table with a single victory from three games, the Gladiators are back in Lahore after matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi, preparing for five home fixtures at the LCCA Ground which recently hosted the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025.
The dynamic local hero, who steered Pakistan to significant victories such as the ICC U19 World Cup (2006) and ICC Champions Trophy (2017), and previously guided Quetta to their inaugural PSL title in 2019, is actively steering the team from the dugout.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Sarfaraz referred to the shift from player to Team Director as both exhilarating and demanding. "Players transitioning into a coaching role isn't a cake walk, but with time, one must evolve and learn to adapt," he said. "I've been part of Quetta since the PSL's inception, and this new role offers me the opportunity to contribute differently."
Sarfaraz also shared his thoughts on the league's transformation: "The PSL has witnessed tremendous growth since 2016. Thanks to the PCB and all stakeholders, we've managed to build a successful league. Together, we need to strive to elevate it to global status."
Looking back on the Gladiators' title-winning campaign in 2019, Sarfaraz reminisced, "Our 2019 win was extraordinary. We had a fantastic squad balance that year, and our aim this season is to replicate that triumph."
For the ongoing edition, he expressed optimism regarding recruitment of overseas players tailored to T20 cricket: "We've struggled somewhat over the last three seasons, but this time we've carefully selected overseas stars suited for short-format cricket. We are positive of witnessing better performances."
Sarfaraz was quick to praise the potential of budding talents Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay. "Hasan is a raw diamond, and this is a fantastic platform for him. Khawaja was chosen in the Emerging category last year and has excelled domestically. Both are blessed with lots to learn from this experience."
On captain Saud Shakeel's leadership, he added, "Saud enjoys the team's full confidence. He demonstrated strong leadership during our initial win, despite our subsequent losses, we trust him to take us forward."
Paving the Path for PSL Victory
The Quetta Gladiators are determined to reconnect with the winning spirit that defined their 2019 campaign. To achieve this, they focus on team harmony, resilience, and strategic planning in key areas like player selection, overseas recruitment, and embracing the evolving PSL landscape.
Their quest to recapture the championship involves prioritizing consistent leadership, tactical flexibility, and carefully selecting overseas players who complement the local roster. By preserving the essence of their 2019 victory and embracing change, the Gladiators aim to maintain their position as formidable PSL contenders.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, now serving as Team Director for Quetta Gladiators in PSL X, remarked that their ambition is to recapture the PSL championship, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, player selection, and overseas recruitment tailored for T20 cricket. The Gladiators have aimed to reconnect with the spirit of their 2019 victory by focusing on team harmony, resilience, and adapting to the evolving PSL landscape. In light of the Quetta Gladiators' determination to maintain their status as formidable PSL contenders, the forthcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, held at the LCCA Ground, provides an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the sport.
