Qalandars won back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 before stumbling this year, finishing last. Aaqib’s departure has left a vacancy within the franchise, which they want to ensure is filled well before the start of the PSL in April next year. Gough, who retired in 2006 as England’s leading ODI wicket-taker (and is still No.2 on the list behind James Anderson) is said to be interested in the role, with the GSL seen as a useful opportunity for him allow you to get your feet under the table before a permanent decision is made.
“It is an absolute honor to have been invited by the Lahore Qalandars to be the head coach for the upcoming World Super League in Guyana,” Gough said in a statement. “I am really excited about this opportunity as I have had the chance to work with the Qalandars in Lahore on several occasions, helping them with their PDP. [player development programme].
“We know that Lahore Qalandars aims to provide young players with opportunities they have never had before: to develop their skills and turn them into players who can continue to represent the Qalandars and hopefully make the proud Pakistani cricketer.”
Sameen Rana, co-owner of Qalandars, said Gough’s vision aligned “seamlessly with our commitment to player development”, referring to the appointment as the start of a “new journey”.
The GSL will be contested by five teams. The Qalandars are joined by the Hampshire Hawks of the T20 Blast, the Rangpur Riders of the BPL, Victoria of Australia, as well as the hosts, Guyana Amazon Warriors. The final will take place on December 7.
