A Spectacular Start and Recent Challenges:
Quetta Gladiators PSL 2024 Squad, embodying the spirit of ‘Shan e Pakistan’, proudly represent the largest province in Pakistan, both in terms of area and passion for sports. In the early seasons of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), they made a spectacular start, embodying the true spirit of Gladiators. However, they seemed to have lost their way in the last four seasons, as Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team struggled to advance beyond the league stage. Their crowning achievement came in 2019 when Quetta Gladiators secured the PSL championship title.
Squad Transformations for PSL 9
In a surprising move, Quetta Gladiators opted to release Mohammad Nawaz, who had been an integral part of the team since its inception and was also the highest wicket-taker for Quetta Gladiators. Furthermore, the team bid farewell to Iftikhar Ahmad, Umar Akmal, Naveen Ul Haq, Naseem Shah, Martin Guptill, Odean Smith, Ahsan Ali, Umaid Asif, Muhammad Zahid, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Aimal Khan, Will Jacks, Qais Ahmad, Nuwan Tushara and Dwaine Pretorius.
Incoming Players: On the flip side, former Gladiator Rilee Rossouw has made a return to the squad, adding experience and skill. Furthermore, the acquisition of Muhammad Amir, who relocated from Karachi, adds a valuable dimension to the team.
The Quetta Gladiators welcomed many new players, including Sherfane Rutherford, Wasim Junior and Abrar Ahmad, Sajjad Ali Jr, Usman Qadir, Adil Naz, Khawaja Nafay, Akeal Hossein, Sohail Khan, Laurie Evans and Bismillah Khan, bringing a fresh energy to the squad.
Final Quetta Gladiators PSL 2024 Squad:
Batsmen: Rilee Russouw, Jason Roy, Will Smeed, Saud Shakeel, Laurie Evans, Sajjad Ali Junior, Omair Bin Yousuf, Khwaja Nafay, Bismillah Khan*.
Wicket-keeper: Sarfraz Ahmad.
All-Rounders: Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Waseem Junior, Wanindu Hasaranga and Akeal Hossein.
Fast Bowlers: Muhammad Amir, Muhammad Hasnain, Adil Naz, Sohail Khan.
Spinners: Abrar Ahmad and Usman Qadir.
Bismillah Khan has been named as a partial replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, while the team has a reserved supplementary category to be filled.
Quetta Gladiators in Transition: A Fresh Approach for PSL 2024:
On February 12th, the cricket community was abuzz with the announcement that Sarfaraz Ahmed is stepping down as the captain of Quetta Gladiators PSL 2024 Squad. Having spearheaded the team since its inception, Sarfaraz has been at the helm for 80 matches, a record in the league’s history. His leadership took Quetta to the finals three times, securing the championship once. However, the team’s inability to reach the playoffs since 2019 as we discussed earlier, prompted his decision. With Sarfaraz stepping down, the spotlight turns to Rilee Rossouw, who is emerging as a promising candidate to lead the team into the next season.
In addition to this significant change in captaincy, the Quetta Gladiators, also known as Purple Force, are undergoing major shifts within their team management. Moin Khan, previously the head coach, has been elevated to the position of team director. Meanwhile, Shane Watson steps in as the new head coach, bringing his wealth of experience to the fore. The team’s fast bowling department will see new guidance under Shaun Tait, who takes over from Umer Gul.
These strategic changes in both squad and management signal a fresh direction for the Gladiators. Introducing new talents into the team represents a bold move, aiming to rejuvenate their dynamics. With Sarfaraz Ahmed still a crucial player, the collective expertise of Muhammad Amir, Jason Roy, and Rilee Rossouw is expected to shoulder the revamped team’s ambitions. If these changes foster a timely and cohesive synergy, Quetta Gladiators could very well become the formidable force that other franchises dread to face in the upcoming season.
Quetta Gladiators PSL 9 Schedule:
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Lahore on Feb 18, Sunday (Day)
- Vs Lahore Qalanders, at Lahore on Feb 19, Monday (Night)
- Vs Islamabad United, at Lahore on Feb 22, Thursday (Night)
- Vs Multan Sultans, at Multan on Feb 25, Sunday (Day)
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Karachi on Feb 29, Thursday (Night)
- Vs Islamabad United, at Rawalpindi on March 02, Saturday (Night)
- Vs Karachi Kings, at Rawalpindi on March 06, Wednesday (Day)
- Vs Peshawar Zalmi, at Rawalpindi on March 08, Friday (Night)
- Vs Lahore Qalanders, at Karachi on March 10, Sunday (Night)
- Vs Multan Sultans, at Karachi on March 12, Tuesday (Night)
Quetta Gladiators will kick off their campaign on February 18, facing Peshawar Zalmi in Lahore. Similar to Peshawar Zalmi, the Gladiators host their home games across various cities. This year, Quetta Gladiators’ home games will be held in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, scheduled for February 18, February 22, March 6, March 10, and March 12, respectively.
For the full PSL 2024 schedule and additional details about PSL 9, visit here.
