Herschelle Gibbs named Karachi Kings head coach

Karachi Kings have roped in former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs as their head coach. Gibbs comes into the role that was previously held by Dean Jones, who died aged 59 in September last year in Mumbai. The franchise won their maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in November and dedicated their win to Jones.

Gibbs' most recent coaching stint was with Colombo Kings in the Lanka Premier League last month, who topped the group stage before losing in the semi-final. Gibbs has also had coaching stints with Kuwait and has worked in the Afghanistan domestic circuit - in the Shpageeza Cricket League and Afghan T20 league.

Gary Kirsten, Gibbs' countryman and former opening partner, was also in line for the spot but it understood Gibbs was the first choice. Gibbs is Karachi's third head coach in five seasons, following Mickey Arthur who was charge since the inaugural edition in 2017 before he was replaced by Jones last year. Wasim Akram continues as President and head of the cricketing operations in the franchise.

Gibbs' inclusion comes as the PCB is preparing for the sixth edition of the PSL with a player draft scheduled on January 10. Each team is allowed to retain eight players each with a restriction of having of one overseas player from the platinum category. Last year, PCB successfully organised the entire tournament in the country across four venues, whereas usually the league had been played with a UAE leg over the last three seasons. This year, the entire tournament is slotted for two venues - Karachi and Lahore.