LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has shared his enthusiasm and readiness to embrace the responsibilities of his new role as Team Director of Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In an interview with PCB Digital during a training session at the LCCA Ground, Sarfaraz reflected on his transition from player to a managerial position.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me, and I’m trying to absorb as much as I can, having previously served as a mentor during two Champions Cup tournaments for the Dolphins,” Sarfaraz remarked.
He acknowledged the challenges of shifting from an on-field player to a support role. “It’s never easy to move into a coaching or managerial role after playing actively, but as time progresses, you must adapt and expand your skillset. I’ve been associated with Quetta Gladiators since the very beginning of the PSL,” he added.
Speaking on the growth of the league, the former skipper commended the continued efforts behind its development.
PSL’s growth
“The league has witnessed tremendous growth since its launch in 2016. A great deal of hard work from the PCB and various stakeholders has gone into its success. Moving forward, it’s essential that we all work together to elevate it into an even bigger brand,” he said.
Reflecting on Quetta Gladiators’ triumphant 2019 season, Sarfaraz recalled, “Winning the PSL title in 2019 was a cherished memory. We reached the final stages consistently for three years, and in 2019, the squad had the ideal balance to win the title in Karachi. This year, we aim to replicate that success and lift the trophy once again.”
When asked about the overseas players acquired in the Player Draft, the 37-year-old admitted the team had underperformed in recent seasons but remained optimistic.
“Unfortunately, the last three years didn’t go our way in terms of performance, but this season we’ve made some smart selections well-suited for a T20 tournament. We’ve brought in strong overseas players and are confident about putting on a good show this time,” he noted.
He also spoke highly of young prospects Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay.
Supporting new skipper
“Hasan Nawaz is a talented young cricketer, and this league is a valuable opportunity for him to develop his game and eventually represent the national side. Similarly, Khawaja Nafay, who was selected in the Emerging category last year and recently featured in the domestic season, now has a chance to grow further as a player,” he said.
On the subject of Saud Shakeel’s captaincy, Sarfaraz voiced his complete support for the new skipper.
“Saud has the full backing of the squad. His leadership qualities were evident in our opening win. Although we lost our next two fixtures, we have full confidence in Saud’s ability to lead the team forward,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that Quetta Gladiators, the 2019 PSL champions, currently sit fifth on the table in this season’s standings, with one win and two defeats from their first three matches.
Sarfaraz boasts an illustrious career, having captained Pakistan to victory in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. He also holds the record for leading Quetta Gladiators in 80 PSL matches since the league’s inception and featured as a player in the previous season before stepping into his new leadership role.
