Gibbs appointed coach of Pakistan Super League outfit Karachi Kings

Former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs has been named as the new head coach of the Pakistan Super League franchise the Karachi Kings.

Gibbs takes over from Deano

Gibbs has big shoes to fill in the role as he takes over from the late Dean Jones, who passed away suddenly while in India performing commentary duties during the 2020 Indian Premier League.

Dean Mervyn Jones AM was an Australian cricket player, coach and commentator who played 52 Tests and 164 One Day Internationals for Australia. Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Jones had done a lot for cricket in Pakistan in various roles before taking on the head coach role at the Kings in 2019, he was well-liked and highly respected.

Gibbs is the second South African to be appointed coach of the Karachi franchise after former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur.

The former opener had been hired as the coach of the Colombo Kings for the inaugural Lanka Premier League but withdrew from the post after his mother took ill and later passed away, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

T20 and T10 leagues have offered Gibbs a route into the realm of coaching with opportunities in South Africa limited for the former Proteas international. He has also enjoyed coaching stints with the Kuwait national team and has worked in Afghanistan’s UAE-based league and domestic circuit – with appointments in the Shpageeza Cricket League and Afghan T20 league.

The Karachi Kings won the 2020 PSL, completing their title charge under the guidance of interim head coach Wasim Akram. Akram remains associated with the Kings performing the dual role of president and head of the cricketing operations.

Karachi Kings’ cricketers celebrate with the trophy after winning the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 cricket final match between the Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi on November 17, 2020. (Photo by Asif HASSAN / AFP)

Pakistan’s cricket board are preparing for the sixth edition of the PSL with the draft set to take place on 10 January.

Gibbs’ first task will be to consult with team management regarding which of their players will make the grade to be retained ahead of the auction. The Kings enjoyed the services of Pakistan stars Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, they also brought in former Proteas batsman Rilee Rossouw for the postponed knockout stages.

The PCB intend to host the 2021 tournament at two venues in Pakistan with the National Stadium in Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore the selected grounds.