Quetta Gladiators middle order Saud Shakeel is likely to take on the role of captain in the upcoming 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators has decided to appoint Saud Shakeel as its new captain. According to sources, Saud Shakeel will not only lead the team but will also play the role of an opener. The management plans to continue with the combination of Saud Shakeel and head coach Moin Khan for the 2025 season.

In another development, the Gladiators also confirmed last Wednesday that their current head coach Shane Watson will not be available for PSL 10.

The franchise explained that Watson's unavailability was due to the rescheduling of the league window, a decision taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accommodate the 2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy.

A statement from the franchise said, “Quetta Gladiators head coach Shane Watson cannot continue as head coach for HBL PSL Season 10 due to the change in the league’s transfer window affecting his already signed long-term contracts.”

“Watson has been a lucky charm for the franchise as the Gladiators won the PSL title when he joined Pakistan as a player and QG qualified for the playoffs after a four-year gap when Watson took over as the team’s manager,” the statement added.

The Gladiators won the PSL title when he joined as a player and the team qualified for the playoffs after a four-year gap when Watson became the head coach.

Given Watson’s absence, it is reported that Moin Khan will step in as head coach for PSL 10. Also, there are discussions about Sarfaraz Ahmed possibly being given the responsibility of the director of cricket for the Gladiators.

Sarfaraz, who is serving as a mentor during the Champions Cup, could take up this new role although he will not receive any salary from the PCB during this period.