Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has decided to end his time with Quetta Gladiators ahead of the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2025. On Wednesday, January 15, Quetta Gladiators shared the news of Watson’s departure a couple of months prior to the start of the upcoming edition of the tournament. Notably, Watson was appointed as head coach of Quetta Gladiators ahead of PSL 2024. 

As a player as well, Shane Watson has played for Quetta Gladiators from 2019 to 2021. He played a crucial part in Gladiator’s title campaign in PSL 2019. The right-hander amassed 430 runs with the bat as Quetta Gladiators were crowned champions in 2019 and Watson was adjudged player of the tournament. After five years in 2024, the franchise appointed as head coach.

Quetta Gladiators will always be indebted to Shane Watson: Franchise owner Nadeem Omar

Quetta Gladiators shared a long post on their social media to announce Shane Watson’s departure as head coach ahead of PSL 2025. Apart from that, franchise owner Nadeem Omar also expressed his gratitude over the former Australian cricketer and said that the Gladiators will forever be indebted to Watson.

“@ShaneRWatson33 unavailable to continue as Head Coach of Quetta Gladiators in HBLPSL10. We will miss Watto's presence in the QG dug out during the @thePSLt20 matches,” Quetta Gladiators wrote on their socia media 

“The Quetta Gladiator's owner Mr. Nadeem Omar has extended his best wishes to Shane Watson for his future engagements. He said: “Quetta Gladiators will always be indebted to Shane Watson for his outstanding contribution both as a player and head coach.””

As per the further reports, Quetta Gladiators are likely to go with former Pakistani skipper Sarafaraz Ahmed as their new head coach for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League in 2025.