Hyderabad name Jason Gillespie as their head coach ahead of PSL Season 11

Hyderabad, the newest franchise to join the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have taken a major step in shaping their cricketing structure by appointing former Australian fast bowler and ex-Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie as their head coach ahead of the league’s 11th season.

The franchise confirmed that negotiations between both parties were completed successfully, with the coaching agreement formally signed in recent days. Gillespie’s appointment is seen as a statement of intent by Hyderabad, who are preparing for their debut campaign in the PSL, scheduled to get underway in March 2025.

Gillespie brings with him vast international experience, both as a player and a coach. A former Australia Test and ODI cricketer, he has built a strong reputation in coaching roles across domestic and international cricket, particularly for his emphasis on discipline, clarity of roles, and long-term team development.

The Australian coach is no stranger to Pakistan cricket. In April 2024, he was appointed head coach of Pakistan’s Test side, working alongside Gary Kirsten, who was named white-ball head coach. The dual-coach structure was introduced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an attempt to stabilize and rebuild the national team across formats.

However, Gillespie’s tenure with Pakistan proved to be short-lived. In December 2024, he stepped down from his role following a strained relationship with the PCB. His resignation came just days before Pakistan’s two-match Test series against South Africa, highlighting the growing tensions behind the scenes and raising questions about communication and management at the board level.

Despite that abrupt exit, Gillespie remains highly regarded within cricketing circles, and Hyderabad appear confident that his experience will be crucial in laying a strong foundation for a new franchise. His familiarity with Pakistani players and conditions is expected to be a significant advantage as the team begins assembling its squad and support staff.

With PSL 11 approaching, Hyderabad’s focus will now shift towards player recruitment, team culture, and competitive balance. Gillespie’s appointment signals the franchise’s ambition to be competitive from the outset, rather than adopting a slow-build approach.

The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is scheduled to begin in March 2025, and all eyes will be on Hyderabad as they enter the tournament under the guidance of one of the most experienced coaches in the modern game.