Sarfaraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper batsman for the Quetta Gladiators, has been relieved of his captaincy ahead of the ninth Pakistan Super League (PSL). Notably, Quetta had a dismal season in the previous edition, finishing with just three victories from 10 games and finishing in bottom place on the points table.
Owner of Quetta Nadeem Omer disclosed that Sarfaraz desired a vacation from leading the team, and following discussions with head coach Shane Watson, a new captain will be named.
According to reports, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s replacement might be either Pakistani batsman Saud Shakeel or South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw.
According to Nadeem Omer, who was cited by Geo News, “Sarfaraz wants to take a break from captaincy, with new head coach Shane Watson set to decide who will lead the side after consulting with the team management.”
As Quetta’s captain, Sarfaraz had an outstanding tenure, leading the team to three finals and helping them win their first-ever championship in 2019. The 36-year-old played eight games and scored 162 runs with a strike rate of 104.51 and an average of 27 during the previous season.
On Sunday, February 18, Quetta will take on Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2024 opener at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Notably, four cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi—will host the tournament’s ninth edition. The league will feature six clubs in total, with the championship game scheduled for March 18 at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
There will be two legs to PSL 9.
PSL 9 will be played in two legs, just like the previous edition. From February 17 to 27, 14 matches will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. From February 28 to March 12, the following 16 matches will take place at two locations: Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi and National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The entirety of the four knockout games will take place in Karachi.
The PSL 9 team of Quetta Gladiators
Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain (all Gold), Mohammad Amir, Will Smeed (Silver), Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali, Usman Qadir, Adil Naz, Khawaja Nafay, Akeal Hosein, Sohail Khan, Omair Yousuf, Sherfane Rutherford, Bismillah Khan (partially replacing Wanindu Hasaranga), Sufiyan Muqeem
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