Hyderabad PSL franchise name Jason Gillespie as head coach while Luke Ronchi has been named head coach of Islamabad United.
The Hyderabad PSL team, one of the two new teams in the Pakistan Super League, has hired former Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie as their coach. Gillespie was revealed as the Hyderabad coach through a social media post. His previous coaching duty was with Pakistan’s red-ball team for a short, exciting six-month spell in 2024.
Two weeks before the PSL auction, where Hyderabad and Sialkot will have to assemble their teams from the ground up, Gillespie was appointed.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Kingsmen team at Hyderabad,” Gillespie told. “Lots to look forward to and I can’t wait to get started!”
“Vision clear. Direction locked. Entering a new era,” the account for Kingsmen Cricket, part of the ownership group of the Hyderabad franchise, posted on X. “Jason Gillespie takes charge as head coach of Hyderabad in the HBL PSL. Welcome to the family, coach.”
This will be Gillespie’s first coaching role in Pakistan since he resigned as Pakistan’s red-ball coach only days before a two-Test series in South Africa due to a contentious dispute with the PCB.
Luke Ronchi, a former cricket player from Australia and New Zealand, has been named head coach of Islamabad United. Between 2018 and 2020, Ronchi was a member of United’s team, who won the PSL in 2018. His strike rate of 166.12 is the highest of any batter in PSL history with at least 1000 runs. Since his retirement, he has participated in the coaching system in New Zealand.
“Islamabad United has always felt like home to me,” Ronchi said in a statement. “The bond I share with this team, the owners, the fans, and the entire ISLU family is something genuinely special. I’ve always carried that connection with pride.”
“To return now as head coach is a huge honour. Islamabad United stands for fearless cricket, character, and a winning mindset. I’m excited to carry that legacy forward and help develop the next group of leaders and match-winners for this great team.”