In an exciting move for Lahore Qalandars, former England pacer Darren Gough has been named as the new head coach for the team. Gough’s first challenge will be steering the Qalandars through the upcoming Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, which is set to begin on November 26.
The appointment hints at a longer-term role for Gough within the franchise, potentially extending into the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His arrival comes after the recent departure of Aaqib Javed, who had served as both head coach and director of cricket operations for eight years.
Javed resigned last month to focus on his new role with the Pakistan Cricket Board, where he is now part of the selection committee for the national men’s team.
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Lahore Qalandars have seen significant success in the PSL, securing back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. However, they faced a setback this year, finishing at the bottom of the table. With Gough stepping in, the team aims to rebuild and be in top shape ahead of the next PSL season in April.
Known for his impressive bowling career, Gough retired in 2006 as England’s all-time leading ODI wicket-taker, a record he held until surpassed by James Anderson. The GSL will serve as an ideal platform for Gough to acclimate to his new role and assess his fit with the team before a long-term decision is made.
In a statement, Gough expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “It’s an absolute honour to join Lahore Qalandars as head coach for the Global Super League in Guyana. I’m thrilled to step into this role, having already been involved with the Qalandars’ player development programs in Lahore.”
Known for prioritizing young talent, Lahore Qalandars has a rich legacy of nurturing emerging players. Gough emphasized this commitment to development: “The Qalandars are dedicated to providing players with unmatched opportunities to grow, and I’m eager to support that mission.”
Prior to this appointment, Gough served as managing director of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. He took on the role in December 2021, guiding Yorkshire through a period of transformation following a racism scandal that had severely impacted the club.
Gough left his post at Yorkshire in March this year, shortly after which he connected with the Qalandars again. His previous experience also includes a brief stint as a bowling consultant for the England team in 2020.
Lahore Qalandars co-owner, Sameen Rana, spoke about Gough’s alignment with the Qalandars’ core values: “Darren’s vision of nurturing talent and breaking down barriers perfectly resonates with our commitment to player development. His experience and perspective bring a new dimension to our team as we embark on this journey together.”
The Global Super League will showcase five competitive teams. Joining the Qalandars will be Hampshire Hawks from England’s T20 Blast, Rangpur Riders from the Bangladesh Premier League, Victoria from Australia’s domestic circuit, and the host team, Guyana Amazon Warriors. The tournament is scheduled to conclude with the final on December 6.
As Lahore Qalandars prepare for this international challenge, Gough’s appointment marks a new chapter for the franchise, blending experience with the Qalandars‘ dedication to talent development and success.