Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, has been named as the new head coach for Quetta Gladiators ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.
The franchise made an official announcement, stating their decision to appoint Watson, citing his remarkable contributions as a player for both Australia, winning World Cups in 2007 and 2015, and his pivotal role in Quetta Gladiators’ victorious PSL 2019 campaign.
Recently, Gladiators hinted at this move on their social media platforms by sharing a picture of a man waiting at an Australian airport, hinting at Watson’s arrival.
Before this, Moin Khan, a key part of the team’s coaching setup since the PSL’s inception, was elevated to the role of Team Director after serving as head coach for eight years.
Under Khan’s leadership, the team secured the championship in 2019 and finished as runners-up twice, marking a period of consistent success.
Watson, 42, retired from all cricket in 2020. His coaching journey includes a stint as an assistant coach for IPL franchise Delhi Capitals in 2022 and subsequently being appointed head coach of Major League Cricket’s San Francisco Unicorns earlier this year.
During his playing career, Watson made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket, excelling in ODIs and T20Is.
His international track record boasts impressive stats, including being part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams and standout performances in major tournaments.
Known for his all-round skills, Watson’s legacy includes exceptional batting records and pivotal moments in tournaments like the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cups, where he was a standout performer, earning accolades like Player of the Series.
His coaching tenure with Quetta Gladiators brings immense experience and a winning mentality, reflecting his illustrious cricket career.