PSL: Dean Jones confirmed as Islamabad head coach

Published December 14, 2015
“I look forward to seeing the draft and picking some fantastic players for our team,” says Dean Jones. — Reuters/File
“I look forward to seeing the draft and picking some fantastic players for our team,” says Dean Jones. — Reuters/File

Former Australia batsman Dean Jones on Monday confirmed his signing as the head coach for Islamabad franchise in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The 54-year-old posted a video on his official Facebook account to let his followers know about his PSL signing.

Jones’ signing for Islamabad United came hours after Peshawar became the first PSL franchise to launch its logo and team name.

“I’ve just signed as the head coach for the Islamabad United team and I look forward to seeing the draft and picking some fantastic players for our team,” Jones, said in a video message.

Jones has a good rapport with the Pakistan players, and in 2010 the former top-order batsman was in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a role as a foreign consultant.

He played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs and is considered one of the sharpest cricketing minds in Australia.

On Sunday, Peshawar team owner Javed Afridi also unveiled a star-studded coaching panel that will lead his team’s campaign in the first edition of the most lucrative domestic tournament in the country’s history.

Former England head coach Andy Flower, former head coach of the National Cricket Academy Mohammad Akram, coach of Peshawar’s two time national T20 team Abdur Rehman and Pakistan team trainer Grant Luden were inducted into Peshawar Zalmi’s coaching staff.

For the country’s financial capital Karachi, former South Africa and Australia coach, Mickey Arthur, was named the head coach, team owner Salman Iqbal announced two days ago.

Iqbal, the CEO of the ARY Group, who purchased the Karachi franchise for a reported amount of $26 million, picked former leg-spin great Mushtaq Ahmed as Arthur’s deputy.

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