From Struggles to Success: Multan Sultans’ PSL 9 Saga
The Multan Sultans PSL 2024 Squad, representing Southern Punjab, have become a significant force in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) since their debut in 2018. Their journey began with a bang under Shoaib Malik’s leadership, winning the first four matches of their inaugural season. Despite this strong start, they still failed to qualify for the playoffs. Sultans continued to struggle in the next season.
The turning point came in PSL 5, the third season for the Sultans. Leadership passed into the hands of Shan Masood, and Andy Flower took the helm as Head Coach. This strategic shuffle paid dividends; the team clinched a playoff spot in 2020, and under Muhammad Rizwan’s captaincy, they were crowned champions in the following season.
However, the last two seasons have been a tale of near-misses for the Sultans. Despite reaching the finals, they faced defeat at the hands of Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars on both occasions.
The Squad and Management Overhaul:
The upcoming PSL 9 marks a new chapter for the Multan Sultans, characterized by sweeping changes in both their squad and management.
Outgoing: The team has bidden farewell to stalwarts like Shan Masood, Rilee Rossouw, Keirron Pollard, David Miller, Tim David, Adil Rashid, Josh Little, Akeal Hossein, Sameen Gul, Anwar Ali, Sarwar Afridi, Adil Rasheed, Arafat Minhas, Ammad Butt, Izhar ul Haq Naveed and Wayne Parnell.
The Multan Sultans face a significant challenge with the exit of their stalwart middle-order maestro, Rilee Rossouw, a key architect of numerous victories, his departure leaves a void hard to fill. With an impressive tally of 1,039 runs from 39 innings, at a blazing strike rate of 160.6, including two spectacular centuries, his contributions have been pivotal in shaping the fortunes of the Multan Sultans. Rossouw’s legacy of match-winning innings will surely be missed as the team looks to navigate this big loss.
Incomings: In their stead, a fresh brigade, including Iftikhar Ahmed, Dawid Malan, Reece Topley, and Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Willey, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Ali, Faisal Akram, Yasir Khan, Chris Jordan, Aftab Ibrahim, Jhonson Charles and Muhammad Shahzad has been ushered in.
An Arsenal of Talent: PSL 2024 Squad
Batsmen: Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Jhonson Charles, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan, Yasir Khan.
Wicket-keeper: Mohammad Rizwan.
All-rounders: Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Faisal Akram, Dawid Willey, Muhammmad Shahzad, Chris Jordan.
Spinners: Usama Mir.
Fast Bowlers: Reece Topley, Abbas Afridi, Ihsanullah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Muhammad Ali, Aftab Ibrahim.
Great news for Multan Sultans fans, all their foreign stars are available for PSL 9 so far. In contrast, other PSL teams are grappling with the availability of their foreign players due to international commitments or injuries.
Top of Form
Breaking New Ground: A Diverse Management Team
In a groundbreaking move, the Sultans’ management has embraced several unconventional changes. Andy Flower’s departure sees Abdur Rehman stepping up as Head Coach, assisted by Muhammad Waseem, former cricketer and National Team Chief Selector. The appointment of Mushtaq Ahmad as Spin Bowling Coach further strengthens the coaching cadre.
In a historic first for PSL, female coaches will grace the event. Catherine Dalton, a former Irish women cricketer, joins as Fast Bowling Coach, alongside Alex Hartley, a former English women cricketer, as Assistant Spin Bowling Coach. Adding to this pioneering spirit, Hijab Zahid becomes the first female Manager in PSL history.
The backroom is rounded out by Dirkus Saaiman as Fielding, Strength, and Conditioning Coach, Nathon Leamon as Director of Strategy, and Javed Mughal as Physiotherapist.
Multan Sultans PSL 9 Schedule:
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Multan on Feb 18, Sunday (Night)
- Vs Islamabad United, at Multan on Feb 20, Tuesday (Night)
- Vs Lahore Qalandars, at Multan on Feb 21, Wednesday (Night)
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Multan on Feb 23, Friday (Night)
- Vs Quetta Gladiators, at Multan on Feb 25, Sunday (Day)
- Vs Lahore Qalandars, at Lahore on Feb 27, Tuesday (Night)
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Karachi on March 03, Sunday (Night)
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Rawalpindi on March 05, Tuesday (Night)
- Vs Islamabad United, at Rawalpindi on March 10, Sunday (Day)
- Vs Quetta Gladiators, at Karachi on March 12, Tuesday (Night)
Night games are scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, and day games at 2:00 PM, following Pakistan Standard Time. The Sultans will kick off their campaign on February 18, facing Karachi Kings in their own backyard. They are set to play 5 matches at their home ground, the Multan Cricket Stadium, over a span of 8 days. Afterward, they will head to Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and then back to Karachi again for their away games.
For the full PSL 2024 schedule and additional details about PSL 9, visit here.
