Dean Jones appointed Karachi Kings head coach after leaving Islamabad United

The Australian replaces Mickey Arthur, who led the franchise to the playoffs in each of the last two years

Karachi Kings have appointed Dean Jones as their head coach ahead of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

The Australian replaces Mickey Arthur, who led the franchise to the playoffs in each of the last two years.

Jones has coached in every edition of the tournament, having joined Islamabad United at the competition’s inception, only departing from his role in recent days.

During his time in charge, he led the team to a pair of titles – in 2016 and 2018, before announcing his exit in a video posted on Twitter. Then, he was in coy on his future, but suggested there would be news in the coming days.

Speaking to ARY News regarding his new role, Jones said: “It will be a privilege and honour to coach a successful and strong franchise. I am really looking forward to working with such a wonderful team and owners.

“I am confident to bring a brand of cricket while utilizing my experience. I am confident that it will be a good working experience with Mr. Salman (the owner) and the team.”

^{Colin Ingram represented Karachi Kings in the 2019 competition}

Jones’ first major commitment will be the player draft, which takes place on December 6. England stars Moeen Ali, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Chris Jordan, Alex Hales and Harry Gurney are among the 28 international players to have put themselves forward at platinum level ahead of the draft.

The level is the highest financial bracket available to players, with those selected by franchises in that category earning between a base figure of £114,500 and an upper amount of £169,750.

They are joined by a trio of Afghanistan internationals – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, as well as Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane and New Zealand opening batsman Colin Munro.

The Australian trio of Dan Christian, Ben Cutting and Chris Lynn have also put their names into the hat, alongside Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir.

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, as well as West Indies stars Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard make up the 28-man provisional list.

The upcoming edition of the competition will see the PSL return to Pakistan; it will be the first time the entire tournament has taken place in the country.

Subscribe to The Cricketer this Christmas and receive a £20 John Lewis voucher or Alastair Cook’s autobiography. Claim your free gift here