LAHORE: Renowned all rounder Abdul Razzaq has made a surprise entry into Pakistan Super League (PSL) arena after signing a contract with Quetta Gladiators for the second edition of PSL.
Quetta have signed Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq as their assistant and bowling coach. He replaces  Englishman Ian Pont, whose one-year contract wasn’t extended after the first edition, ESPNcricinfo reported.
However, the appointment sparked a controversy as Pont took to Twitter to express his frustration about not being told that he was replaced after a successful stint in the first edition.
“I have just found out on social media, that I have been replaced as assistant and bowling coach for 2016 PSL runners-up, Quetta Gladiators,” Pont wrote in a statement released on his Twitter account. “Naturally, I respect the franchise’s decision to bring in someone else. That is their right.
“I do find it highly unprofessional not to have seen contacted by anyone from Quetta Gladiators about this beforehand, and only to discover the fact from a tweet by Abdul Razzaq who has been roped in as my replacement.
“Worse still, it is extremely late for me to approach another franchise in the PSL and had I been told what Quetta was planning, I could have at least had the chances to do so. The PSL is a really good competition and it was Shahid Afridi who personally advised me to go into it. I hope it goes from strength to strength.
#PSL #PSLT20 #HBLPSL #PSL2 pic.twitter.com/kxcMtwuItK
— Ian Pont (@Ponty100mph) November 30, 2016
“Putting my own disappointment aside, I wish Abdul very well in his new role. I am sure the fans will welcome him. Perhaps he can go one better and help win the PSL. Cricket is rife with poor communication and muddled thinking. However, remaining professional is a prerequisite regardless.”
Razzaq last represented Pakistan in 2013, in a T20 against South Africa, and was last seen in Pakistan’s domestic circuit in 2015. He has played 46 Tests, 265 ODIs and 32 T20Is, besides representing five counties.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
