Misbah, Ronchi appointed Islamabad United coaches
Islamabad United have appointed Misbah-ul-Haq as their coach for the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League while New Zealand's Luke Ronchi has been announced as teams assistant coach.
Islamabad United has appointed Misbah-ul-Haq as the new head coach and former New Zealand player Luke Ronchi as assistant coach for their franchise.
Misbah replaces Dean Jones who guided the side to two PSL triumphs and will not guide Karachi Kings.
Misbah had previously captained the United side in the PSL's first three seasons, wherein the team saw two victories, whereas Ronchi had been part of the United's squad since PSL 3. Former cricketer Saeed Ajmal, who was part of the 2016 winning team, will join the duo as the spin bowling coach.
Islamabad United owner, Ali Naqvi, said the franchise's aim was to promote experienced players by handing them coaching gigs. "From the start one of our goals has been to promote from within.
"There has been a dearth of Pakistani coaches coming through, and we have aimed from the first season of the PSL to plan towards evolving experienced players into coaching," he said.
The Kiwi cricketer said he hoped to contribute in the "family-like" team. "I will look to mentor and coach the guys where needed. I love how this team is run like a family, and this constant evolution is a journey I wish to contribute on," he added.
The United head coach expressed his gratitude as the news was announced, saying he was "absolutely ready" for the job.
"I am humbled with the opportunity that Islamabad United have offered me, and I take this role as a massive responsibility.
I know that this franchise has championship expectations but I am absolutely ready for the task at hand," Misbah said.#
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