‘Saud ko hi captain bana dete’ – Fans react as Rilee Rossouw replaces Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta Gladiators for PSL 2024

Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to play in the PSL 2024 as a pure player. As per the advice of Quetta Gladiators’ coach, Shane Watson, Ahmed is set to play as a WK batter in the PSL 2024. The news was confirmed by the statement of Nadeem Omer, the owner of the franchise. Sarfaraz was the skipper of the franchise in all its previous seasons. 

Nadeem claimed that the former Pakistan skipper decided to take a break from captaincy. It was revealed that the decision on the new skipper would be taken after discussion among the coaches. “Sarfaraz wants to take a break from captaincy with new head coach Shane Watson set to decide who will lead the side after consulting with the team management,” said Nadeem. 

Nadeem then asked Kevin Pietersen to take up a role in the franchise. The former England cricketer was a part of Quetta in the past. Under the leadership of Sarfaraz, the Gladiators won the trophy once and became runner-ups twice. “The old family of Quetta Gladiators has started coming together again. Pietersen should also come with Quetta Gladiators in some role,” added Nadeem in his statement. 

Rilee Rossouw the new skipper, and Saud Shakeel his deputy

In the last four seasons of the PSL, Quetta did not have a great time. They could not qualify for the playoffs in the last four seasons. It seems like the management wants a fresh face as a leader. After the discussions with the management, Rilee Rossouw was chosen to lead Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2024. Saud Shakeel is named the vice-captain of the side for the PSL 2024. 

The change in leadership has not gone well with some of the fans of the cricketer. Taking to X and other social media platforms, some fans have claimed that they were watching Quetta for the sake of Ahmed. The change in captaincy might result in a lack of support for the franchise. Sarfaraz is known for his captaincy. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the Champions Trophy 2017 when not many thought them to do so. 

Here’s how the fans reacted to the news –