KARACHI: Former South African cricketer Herschelle Herman Gibbs has been named head coach for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Karachi Kings.
According to a statement issued today (Saturday), Gibbs will be replacing Dean Jones, who passed away in Mumbai during the Indian Premier League season on September 24, 2020.
Jones had joined the Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL 2020 draft in November, 2019. He coached the team during the league before it was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic in March last year.
The league resumed in November 2020 with Wasim Akram as stand-in coach following Jones’ death. Prior to Jones, former Australian cricketer Mickey Arthur was the coach for the PSL team.
”It was always going to be tough filling in Deano’s shoes, but Gibbsy has always been a great student of the modern game and with his growing exposure in coaching roles, I reckon he is a great fit at our team to continue our winning ways,” said a happy Karachi Kings President, Wasim Akram.
Herschelle Gibbs, in this regard, said, “I am so excited by this appointment and really feel with the chemistry the Kings franchise has fostered over the years under great leadership and a wonderful bunch of guys who have cracked the winning formula this season.”
“This is a great time to join them and hopefully keep up the momentum they’ve got going,” said Gibbs, adding, “I look forward to working with the great Wasim Akram and helping the team grow and build together this season.”
Gibbs represented South Africa for 15 years, debuting in 1999. He also played his final international match against Pakistan in 2010. After his international career, he played in various international T20 leagues, most recently coaching at the Afghan Shpageeza League and the recently concluded Lanka Premier League.
