Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts during a PSL 9 game between Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on February 25, 2024. Sarfaraz offered thoughts on his move from player to management Quetta Gladiators – PSL
Veteran Wicketkeeper Returns into New Era with Change in Leadership
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is now Team Director for Quetta Gladiators, moving from playing to this position for PSL 10. Having spent years on the pitch and a history included captaining Quetta from the league’s founding, Sarfaraz is now focused on guiding the team towards another chance at glory – this time from behind the scenes.
“It is an exciting role for me, and I am trying to learn, as I have previously worked as a mentor in the two Champions Cup events for team Dolphins,” Sarfaraz shared in an interview with PCB Digital.
From Wicketkeeper to Strategist: Changing Approach of Focus
Navigating the change from player to management is difficult, a reality Sarfaraz freely admitted. Still, he sees progress and adaptation—especially given his ongoing contribution to the brand since its opening season in 2016.
“It’s not easy for a player to transition into a coaching role, especially after being involved as a player on the field, but over time you need to evolve your skillset and adapt to new responsibilities. I have been with Quetta since the start of the PSL,” he said.
Considering the Rise and Glory Days of the League
Sarfaraz was overflowing with compliments on the expansion of the Pakistan Super League, crediting its success to the PCB, franchise owners, and other interested parties working together.
“The league has grown immensely with each passing year since its inception in 2016. A lot of effort has gone in from the PCB management and other stakeholders to make it a success and we all need to work together to make it a bigger brand in the coming years,” he said.
He also thought about Quetta’s 2019 PSL title triumph, a year the team found the ideal mix between skill and performance.
“Winning PSL in 2019 was a memorable moment. We had reached finals and playoffs for three years and in 2019, the team combination was perfect to clinch the title in Karachi. We will aim to replicate the same performance in this edition and lift the trophy again.”
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Addressing Past Struggles, Embracing Fresh Strategy
Acknowledging Quetta’s poor performance in past seasons, Sarfaraz honestly discussed the need of roster restructuring and smart draughting.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t perform well over the last three years, but this time around, our picks are well suited for a T20 tournament. We have picked some great overseas players and are hopeful to perform well in this season,” he commented.
Young in the Spotlight: Funding Emerging Talent
Sarfaraz commended young prospects Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay for their promise and the need of leveraging the PSL stage to develop future national stars.
“Hasan Nawaz is a promising player and this is an opportunity for him to enhance his skills in the league and play for the country. Khawaja Nafay is another young player, who was picked in the Emerging category last year, and afterwards played in the recent most domestic season. This is also a chance for him to learn, which will help him grow as a cricketer,” he noted.
Supporting New Captain Saud Shakeel in Face of Early Obstacles
Although Quetta’s PSL 10 campaign began with one win and two losses, Sarfaraz is still sure of recently named captain Saud Shakeel.
“Saud Shakeel has all backing of the team. He has shown good leadership, as reflected in our first win. Though we didn’t win our next two games, we have complete faith in Saud to take the team forward,” he affirmed.
Sarfaraz’s Legacy: A Career That Shaped a Generation
Beyond his performance in Quetta, Sarfaraz has had leadership successes like the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and the ICC U19 World Cup in 2006. Captaining Quetta in a record 80 games, his PSL legacy confirms his name among the most influential captains in league history.
His move into management marks not a departure from cricket but rather a fresh start in raising the next generation of players.
Final Thoughts: From Captain to Curator of Glory
Though it might seem like a farewell to his playing days, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment to the director’s position shows a greater dedication to the sport. Rooted in experience, mentoring, and national pride, his approach might be just what Quetta Gladiators need to recover their past glory.
Should the chemistry between seasoned leadership and fresh talent match, PSL 10 might serve as the venue for Sarfaraz’s second act of grandeur.
FAQs – Here’s all you need to know about PSL 10!
Q1. What is Sarfaraz Ahmed’s new role in PSL 10?
He is serving as the Team Director for Quetta Gladiators.
Q2. When did Sarfaraz Ahmed last captain Quetta Gladiators?
He captained Quetta in PSL 9 before taking on the director role.
Q3. Who is the current captain of Quetta Gladiators?
Saud Shakeel is leading the team in PSL 10.
Q4. What did Sarfaraz say about Quetta’s past performances?
He acknowledged underperformance over the last three seasons and emphasized a better draft strategy this year.
Q5. Which young players did Sarfaraz highlight?
He praised Hasan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay as rising stars with great potential.
