Islamabad United appoints Misbah as new head coach

KARACHI: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Thursday announced the appointment of national team's chief selector, Misbah-ul-Haq, as the new head coach of Islamabad United and New Zealand’s senior player Luke Ronchi as assistant coach.

Misbah had previously captained the United side in the PSL's first three seasons, wherein the team saw two victories, whereas Ronchi had been part of the United squad since PSL 3. Former cricketer Saeed Ajmal, who was part of the 2016 winning team, will join the duo as the spin bowling coach.

Islamabad United owner, Ali Naqvi, said the franchise's aim was to promote experienced players by handing them coaching gigs. "From the start one of our goals has been to promote from within.

"There has been a dearth of Pakistani coaches coming through, and we have aimed from the first season of the PSL to plan towards evolving experienced players into coaching," he said.

The Kiwi cricketer said he hoped to contribute in the "family-like" team. "I will look to mentor and coach the guys where needed. I love how this team is run like a family, and this constant evolution is a journey I wish to contribute on," he added.

The United head coach expressed his gratitude as the news was announced, saying he was "absolutely ready" for the job.

"I am humbled with the opportunity that Islamabad United have offered me, and I take this role as a massive responsibility.

"I know that this franchise has championship expectations but I am absolutely ready for the task at hand," Misbah said.

It is noteworthy that talks surrounding the head coach's appointment triggered a debate as to whether he should have been given the position given his membership in the national cricket committee.

Moreover, Quetta Gladiators head coach Moin Khan had taken a dig at Misbah on Wednesday, citing that his appointment would spark a conflict of interest.

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