Jason Gillespie will coach Hyderabad when the Pakistan Super League expands next year, while Luke Ronchi steps up as Islamabad United’s new head coach. Two appointments, announced only days before the 2026 PSL auction, give both teams early shape.
Hyderabad, one of the incoming franchises alongside Sialkot, start with a clean sheet. They also start with a coach who knows Pakistan well, if not always smoothly. Gillespie’s six-month spell in charge of the national red-ball team ended abruptly in 2024 after a row with the PCB. This is his first job here since.
“I’m very excited to be part of the Kingsmen team at Hyderabad,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Lots to look forward to and I can’t wait to get started!” The franchise itself offered a brisk mission statement on X: “Vision clear. Direction locked. Entering a new era,” before adding, “Jason Gillespie takes charge as head coach of Hyderabad in the HBL PSL. Welcome to the family, coach.”
Gillespie’s initial task is straightforward enough: build a squad from scratch at the auction in a fortnight. Hyderabad hold generous purse space and two early draft picks, yet no players under contract. Decisions on local marquee options, overseas balance and back-room staff will arrive quickly.
Across the motorway in Islamabad, Ronchi trades dressing-room banter for the tracksuit. United fans still remember his whirlwind cameos with the bat – 1031 PSL runs at a strike rate of 166.12 remain the highest for anyone past four figures – and management have leaned into that history.
“Islamabad United has always felt like home to me,” Ronchi said. “The bond I share with this team, the owners, the fans, and the entire ISLU family is something genuinely special. I’ve always carried that connection with pride.” He added: “To return now as head coach is a huge honour. Islamabad United stands for fearless cricket, character, and a winning mindset. I’m excited to carry that legacy forward and help develop the next group of leaders and match-winners for this great team.”
Ronchi has spent the last three years assisting New Zealand’s limited-overs programmes. Islamabad, two-time champions, hope his familiarity with modern white-ball trends – and the city itself – offers a gentle transition after a middling 2025.
For the league, the double announcement underlines a gentle shift toward coaching names with recent playing pedigree and international insight. For Hyderabad and Islamabad, it is simply day one of the next campaign, and the real work starts when the auctioneer lifts his gavel.
