Quetta Gladiators’ decision to appoint Rilee Rossouw as captain came as a surprise to Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was not consulted beforehand. The franchise announced Rossouw as their skipper without seeking the opinion of the former Pakistan captain.
🚨 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🚨
— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) February 14, 2024
Introducing our new captain 😎🙌@Rileerr takes the reins of #WeTheGladiators.#PurpleForce #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/RMHATDnsSq
Reports suggest that Sarfaraz’s removal from captaincy was sudden, with head coach Shane Watson and the team management making the decision independently. Despite being the team’s former captain, Sarfaraz’s role has now been reduced to that of a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Meet our vice-captain, @saudshak 😎#PurpleForce #ShaanePakistan #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/loAzL1maH0
— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) February 14, 2024
Despite this decision, Sarfaraz was seen representing Quetta Gladiators at the PSL trophy unveiling earlier in the week. He has led the team for eight seasons, leading them to victory in 2019 and securing three final appearances.
READ MORE — QUETTA GLADIATOR(QG) PSL Squad 2024
However, Quetta Gladiators’ performance under Sarfaraz’s leadership has been disappointing in recent seasons, with the team finishing at the bottom of the table and failing to qualify for the playoffs in the last four editions.
The Nadeem Omer-owned franchise will begin their campaign against Peshawar Zalmi on February 18 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The Pakistan Super League is set to commence on February 17, with the final scheduled for March 17 in Karachi.