Hyderabad enters PSL spotlight with Gillespie at the helm
Hyderabad’s debut in the Pakistan Super League is already making waves with the appointment of Jason Gillespie as the franchise’s first-ever head coach. The announcement, officially made by Kingsmen Cricket via social media, marks a significant move for the newly-formed team ahead of the league’s 11th season, which begins March 26.
“Vision clear. Direction locked. Entering a New Era. Jason Gillespie takes charge as Head Coach of Hyderabad,” Kingsmen Cricket stated in the tweet that revealed Gillespie’s appointment.
Vision clear. Direction locked. Entering a #NewEra ⚡️
𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗲 takes charge as Head Coach of Hyderabad in #HBLPSL 🙌
Welcome to the family, Coach 🤝 pic.twitter.com/aLqSLF94gT
— Kingsmen Cricket (@KingsmenCricket) January 28, 2026
The 50-year-old former Australian fast bowler brings with him both pedigree and experience, having served as Pakistan’s Test head coach in 2024. His time with the national side, however, ended abruptly in December of the same year, just ahead of the South Africa tour, amid reports of disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and friction with the broader team setup.
Franchise deal finalised after smooth negotiations
According to multiple reports, talks between Gillespie and the Hyderabad franchise were concluded without complications, resulting in a finalized coaching agreement well in advance of the season start.
Gillespie expressed his excitement following the announcement in a post of his own. “Beyond excited to be part of the @KingsmenCricket family. So looking forward to being part of the Hyderabad team! #HBLPSL #PSL #KingsmenFamily,” he said via Twitter.
Beyond excited to be part of the @KingsmenCricket family. So looking forward to being part of the Hyderabad team!#HBLPSL#PSL#KingsmenFamily https://t.co/1qUtpgTUut
— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) January 28, 2026
The appointment signals intent from Hyderabad’s ownership, led by Fawad Sarwar, who secured the team with a winning bid of PKR 1.75 billion (approx. US$ 6.25 million) during the franchise auction.
Gillespie’s PSL return follows high-profile national stint
While Gillespie is best known for his international exploits with Australia, his recent coaching work with Pakistan brings valuable familiarity with local players and conditions. Appointed in April 2024, he took charge of the red-ball squad while Gary Kirsten oversaw the white-ball formats.
His tenure was short-lived but notable, as his resignation just months later highlighted deeper operational tensions within Pakistan’s cricket setup — an issue that may have contributed to his early exit.
Hyderabad and Sialkot join expanded PSL lineup
The 11th season of the PSL will be historic in more ways than one. For the first time, the league expands to include eight teams, with Hyderabad and Sialkot both joining the competition.
Hyderabad’s entry is already shaping the narrative around the season, with expectations rising around how Gillespie will build and guide a brand-new squad on the league’s biggest stage.
Player auction set to define team strategy
Preparations for PSL 11 are accelerating on all fronts. The PCB has confirmed the player auction will take place on February 11, offering Hyderabad and other franchises their first opportunity to lock in talent for the season.
An auction workshop chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and PSL CEO Salman Naseer was recently held, bringing together representatives from all eight teams, along with members of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad and other capped players.
Key topics included player retention rules, base pricing, direct signings, team budgets, and squad sizes — all crucial areas as teams like Hyderabad look to assemble a competitive roster under Gillespie’s leadership.
With a new team, a high-profile coach, and a significant investment backing them, Hyderabad’s PSL journey is already one of the most closely watched stories ahead of the new season.
