KARACHI: Former champions Quetta Gladiators have announced their captain and coaches ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3.
South Shakeel has been appointed as the captain and former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan as the head coach. Former Pakistan captain Sarbaraz Ahmed has taken over as the team director.
In the coaching set-up, Iqbal Imam has been appointed as the assistant coach, former Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz as the bowling coach and Azam Khan as the team manager.
Meanwhile, Gladiators have secured the services of West Indies pacer Alsari Joseph as a direct replacement for Australian quick Spencer Johnson.
Citing Johnson’s unavailability due to personal reasons, the franchise confirmed the move through their official social media channels on Sunday.
The 11th edition of the marquee tournament will span 39 days with eight teams participating. Along with the six original franchises, the expanded competition has two new entrants – Bindis and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.
A total of 44 matches will be played, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars set to kick off against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen on March 26.
According to the schedule, each team will play ten group-stage matches, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3, with May 4 as a contingency date.
The tournament will feature six double-headers, three of which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.
With Faisalabad and Peshawar hosting PSL matches for the first time, along with Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, matches will be held at six venues.
Gaddafi Stadium has played the most matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11), Faisalabad Iqbal Stadium (seven), National Bank Stadium in Karachi (six) and Multan Cricket Stadium (four).
The only match between Peshawar Zalmi and Bindis will be played on March 28 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.
Updated Quetta Gladiators Squad:
Saud Shakeel (catch), Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamil Hussain, Alzari Joseph, Riley Roseau, Faisal Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafe, Wasim Akram Jr, Khan, Saif Khan, Bismillah Bree Jacobs, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.
Quetta Gladiators PSL 11 Fixtures: