Islamabad United part company with head coach Dean Jones

The Australian led the team to PSL titles in 2016 and 2018, with Misbah-ul-Haq captaining the side during that period

Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United have parted company with head coach Dean Jones after four years in the role.

The Australian led the team to PSL titles in 2016 and 2018, with Misbah-ul-Haq captaining the side during that period.

Last season, Islamabad finished third in the group stage, before beating Karachi Kings in an initial eliminator. However, they were beaten comfortably by Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator, with Peshawar losing the following final comprehensively against Quetta Gladiators.

In a video shared on Twitter by Jones, the 58-year-old admitted he was “slightly disappointed” with the news, having won six out of eight playoff matches under his leadership, as well as the pair of championships.

Thank you #Ustaad @ProfDeano for an amazing 4 seasons. Your contributions to #ISLU will always be cherished. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors. #Sherus are preparing for the coming season. Some big announcements coming soon! #UnitedWeWin #DimaghSe pic.twitter.com/nE63rku07w

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) November 6, 2019

“It has been a wonderful four years I’ve had with them,” he added. “I’ve seen some young kids go on to play for Islamabad and go onto play for Pakistan.

“It has just been a magnificent journey along the way. I’ve really had some fun. I’d also like to thank the fans; it’s been a really good time.

“More importantly, I want to thank the players; you’ve been nothing short of outstanding. Thanks again to Amna (Naqvi) and Ali (Naqvi) for the wonderful privilege to being your head coach for four years at Islamabad. Wish you all the best for the future.”

Jones ended his announcement by teasing that he would have further news of his own future in the coming days.

Meanwhile, there have been reports that Misbah might now take over from Jones. That appointment would come with some controversy, given the possibility of conflict of interest alongside his role as chief selector and head coach of the Pakistani national side.

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