NEW DELHI: Australia's former fast bowler Jason Gillespie is set to return to Pakistan cricket as the head coach of the Pakistan Super League's newest franchise, Kingsmen Hyderabad. Gillespie had previously parted ways with the Pakistan Cricket Board in late 2024 after his stint with the national men's team.

Fawad Sarwar, the owner of the new franchise, acquired for a reported PKR 175,000 crore, confirmed that Gillespie will lead the coaching setup, with Grant Bradburn and Craig White joining as his assistant coaches for PSL 11.

"We have brought in the best for our team and our coaching panel is already working on getting players for the franchise and the auction on 11th February," Sarwar said.

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Fawad Sarwar, a Pakistani businessman based in the United States, manages multiple cricket teams there and owns a cricket ground. His cricket venture operates under the brand name Kingsmen.

Gillespie had stepped down as head coach of the Pakistan Test team in late 2024, citing disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board over authority and decision-making powers, including matters related to team selection.

Though he had a two-year contract with the PCB, he left after just 8-9 months in the job during which time Pakistan beat England in a Test series at home and when he worked as interim white ball coach, Pakistan also won one-day series in Australia and South Africa.

Gillespie later lashed out at the PCB and its working style. Similarly Bradburn was also with the Pakistan team as assistant coach and then head coach and was forced to resign after the 2023 World Cup after an understanding with the PCB.

Sarwar said that he ran his cricket matters under a proper system and he believed Australia had the best coaches. "Which is why we went for Gillispie," he added.

Sarwar said that being the owner of Hyderabad was a big achievement for him.

"My goals are to win the PSL and also work with the PCB to renovate and upgrade the Niaz stadium in Hyderabad to make it our home ground in the PSL," he added.