Shane Watson Archives

Chris Gayle, Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson set to return to action

Cricket fans are in for a nostalgic treat early next year as global icons Chris Gayle, Jacques Kallis, and Shane Watson headline the inaugural Legends Pro T20 League, scheduled to take place in Goa, India.

The tournament, featuring some of the biggest names to have graced the sport, will run from January 26 to February 4, 2026, at the newly built 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa.

The league will host six franchise-based teams, bringing together 90 former international stars in a competition designed to blend entertainment, rivalry, and experience.

A long list of high-profile former players has already confirmed participation, including Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Dale Steyn, Shaun Marsh, Amit Mishra, Vinay Kumar, Monty Panesar, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, and Stuart Binny, ensuring the tournament’s opening edition is loaded with star power.

Adding gravitas to the league structure, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has been appointed League Commissioner. Clarke expressed his excitement about taking on the role and returning to a cricket environment he holds close.

“India, being one of the biggest homes of cricket, holds a special place for me,” Clarke said.

“The passion of the fans, the pride, and the privilege of being part of this league, and the chance to reunite with some old friends as well as fierce rivals, make it truly special.

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“I can’t wait to see fans enjoy high-quality cricket and unforgettable moments in Goa.”

The players themselves are equally enthusiastic. West Indies great Chris Gayle, known for his flamboyance and unmatched T20 presence, spoke of the joy in reconnecting with long-time rivals and teammates.

“Some of my best memories involve these guys,” Gayle shared.

“I’ve battled against Kallis when getting past him felt impossible, talked batting rhythm with Uthappa, and taken more Rayudu banter than I can count.

“Seeing names like Dhawan or Watson again brings back the jokes, the competitiveness, the respect. The Legends Pro T20 League is giving us that chance.”

South African legend Jacques Kallis echoed the sentiment, admitting he is eager to “feel like a player once more.”

“I’m genuinely excited to pick it up again, that simple rhythm of hitting balls, finding timing, feeling like a player once more,” Kallis said.

“And seeing Michael Clarke step in as commissioner adds real professionalism and vision. It just makes you look forward even more to enjoying the game with familiar faces.”

READ: Debutant Mitchell Hay helps put New Zealand on top in West Indies Test

Usman Tariq credits former Australia all-rounder for turnaround

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq has credited former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson for standing by him through the most challenging phase of his cricketing career.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Usman shed light on his difficult time and stated that former Australian all-rounder Shan Watson gave him confidence.

“When the action call-up happened, it was the toughest phase of my career. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but my family stood firmly behind me — even offering to cover the expenses if I had to go to Dubai for the assessment,” he said.

“Shane Watson kept reassuring me, saying he had seen many players go through similar cases and that I didn’t need to panic. It was tough, but Alhamdulillah, everything is clear now,” Tariq revealed.

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At the start of this year, Watson stepped down as the head coach of Quetta Gladiators. He was named as the coach of the franchise in 2024.

The 44-year-old remained instrumental to the team’s success, both as a player and coach, as he propelled the Gladiators into the playoffs for the first time in 2024 after four previous failed attempts.

For the unversed, Usman has been reported multiple times for his suspect bowling action. The last time his action was reported in the PSL 10 was during the Quetta Gladiators match against Lahore Qalandars.

The spinner, originally hailing from Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown.

As per PSL regulations, he continued bowling in future matches; however, if he were reported again, he would have to undergo clearance from an International Cricket Council (ICC) accredited lab before bowling again.

Notably, this was the second time that the spinner was reported during a PSL game. Earlier, he was reported in PSL 9 during his side’s clash against Karachi Kings.

A day earlier, Usman starred in Pakistan’s victory over Zimbabwe by a hefty margin of 69 runs.

The right-arm off-spinner, who was playing only in his second T20I, picked up a four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick. With this, he became the fourth Pakistani player to take a hat-trick in the limited-overs format.

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Shane Watson names THIS player to shine at Champions Trophy

Former all-rounder Shane Watson has named Glenn Maxwell as the stand-out player for Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Watson has backed the explosive batter to shine in the marquee event following his brilliant form in the Big Bash League this season.

“The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell,” Watson wrote in his recent ICC column.

“With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years, and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy,” said the event Ambassador.

He also mentioned his incredible innings against Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023, where he smashed a breathtaking double-century.

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“He had that incredible innings against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where he scored a double century, but he has struggled to be consistent at times. That’s the nature of his role in the team.

“However, it now just feels like it has all fallen into place for him, and that’s with everything in his life, not just his cricket, so I think he will play a pivotal part,” Watson added.

With key Australian players not part of the team for the Champions Trophy, Watson still believes that the Aussies will be a team to beat.

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“I think Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced as they might otherwise have been,” remarked Watson.

Glenn Maxwell was also pivotal to Australia’s Cricket World Cup triumph in 2023, finishing with 400 runs from nine games.

For the unaware, Australia will be without their pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. They will play their first match of the eight-nation tournament against England tomorrow at Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: Former Australian great predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Shane Watson voices disappointment over India’s refusal to tour Pakistan

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has voiced his deep disappointment over India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team tournament was originally set to be hosted exclusively by Pakistan. However, the Indian government decided not to send its team to the neighbouring country due to ongoing political issues between the two nations.

Consequently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, with Team India playing all their matches in Dubai.

Watson expressed that it was “unfortunate” for the fans in Pakistan that they would not be able to witness India playing live on their home soil.

“It’s unfortunate things have turned out this way, but everyone loves watching India-Pakistan games,” he said during the ICC Champions Trophy Tour in Sydney.

The former all-rounder shared his experience of playing in Pakistan, stating that it was ‘incredible.’

“I got a small opportunity to play in the PSL in 2019, the first time after playing there in 2005. It was one of the highlights of my career,” he added.

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“To go to Pakistan after a long time and see the love and joy they have for cricket was incredible. They were starved of world-class live cricket.”

Shane Watson acknowledged the importance of hosting such a prestigious event, recognizing how it resonates with the passionate cricket fans in Pakistan.

“It’s going to be huge for Pakistan cricket fans to watch world-class players in their country,” he said.

“This tournament will light up Pakistan. It’s going to be a special event for the country and its cricket fans.”

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

READ: Najmul Hossain Shanto steps down as Bangladesh T20I captain

Shane Watson believes Wasim Jr. can play Andre Russell-like role for Pakistan

Quetta Gladiators’ head coach Shane Watson heaped high praise on all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr, who led the Gladiators to a thrilling victory over Lahore Qalandars during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Wasim Jr smashed a last-ball six against Shaheen Afridi to muscle Quetta Gladiators into the PSL 9 playoffs.

The enthralling victory led Quetta Gladiators into their first PSL playoffs since winning the title in 2019.

Watson, while talking to the media after the match, appreciated Wasim for his all-round prowess and power-hitting abilities.

“We’ve been talking to Mohammad Wasim Jr since the first game about being as still as possible,” said the Gladiators head coach.

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“He’s got amazing hand-eye coordination and power, so he just needs to stand still and trust that he can smash it,” he added.

Shane Watson expressed hope that Wasim can play the role of a power-hitting all-rounder for Pakistan, like West Indies’ Andre Russell.

“We’ve been talking to him about turning himself into the Pakistani Andre Russell with the skill and power he’s got with the bat,” said the former Australian all-rounder.

“We already know what he’s got with the ball, and he’s got amazing athleticism which we’ve seen in the field,” Watson concluded.

Quetta Gladiators joined Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in the final four while the Qualifier and Eliminator ties will be decided after the completion of the group stage matches.

READ: Naseem Shah charged for code of conduct violation

Shane Watson lauds Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership skills

Shane Watson, the head coach of Quetta Gladiators, praised the leadership qualities of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed despite losing captaincy ahead of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Sarfaraz Ahmed led Quetta Gladiators for eight consecutive seasons before he was replaced by Rilee Rossouw for the ongoing season.

However, Shane Watson stated that Sarfaraz is a leader on the field and is supportive of the new captain.

“He’s such a great leader and he leads on the field whether he’s got the C placed beside his name or not. He’s been exceptional,” said Watson while speaking to a local sports channel.

“The support that he gives him (Rilee) has been exceptional. So, it’s a real credit to Sarfraz the ways he’s taken it on and he continues to lead.

“He’s just his natural leader anyway. So even if he doesn’t ever have a C beside his name, he certainly knows how to be able to add the value he needs to.

The former Australian all-rounder also heaped high praise on Saud Shakeel, who has been impressive with his batting at the top order, scoring 164 runs in five games at a strike rate of 150.45.

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“Saud is a highly skilled young man, his balance with Jason Roy and his ability to play spin and fast bowling make him a perfect fit for the opening slot.

Meanwhile, Watson appreciated the “exceptional” batting prodigy Khawaja Nafay and termed him a future prospect for Pakistan.

“Khawaja Nafay has exceptional power and bat speed. His skill and power make him a promising prospect for Pakistan cricket.

Wason also shared his experience of coaching Quetta Gladiators and expressed contentment with the way the team has played in the tournament so far.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be the head coach of a team like Quetta Gladiators. I’ve been very happy with the way the guys have played.

“For me, the most important thing about being the head coach was setting up an environment where the players feel that they can be at their very best and they certainly have throughout the whole tournament so far.

“Everyone has put their hand up when the teams needed them.”

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Shane Watson appointed as Head Coach of Quetta Gladiators for PSL 9

Quetta Gladiators have appointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as the head coach ahead of the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Quetta Gladiators announced Shane Watson’s appointment as the head coach on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“The Quetta Gladiators owner and the team management has decided to appoint Former Australian all-rounder and Gladiators’ best run-getter in the PSL, Shane Watson as head coach of the team,” the 2019-PSL champions posted.

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

𝙎𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙀 𝙒𝘼𝙏𝙎𝙊𝙉 𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙊𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝘿 𝘼𝙎 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝘿 𝘾𝙊𝘼𝘾𝙃

The Quetta Gladiators owner and the team management has decided to appoint Former Australian all-rounder and Gladiators’ best run-getter in the PSL, @ShaneRWatson33 as head coach of the team.… pic.twitter.com/Ig7SEWQWTZ

— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) December 6, 2023

Quetta Gladiators yesterday announced the change in their coaching team with Moin Khan being appointed the Team Director, who served as their head coach since the inaugural season of PSL.

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Under Moin Khan’s coaching, Quetta Gladiators reached the play-off stage in the first four editions, playing three finals.

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

MOIN KHAN APPOINTED AS TEAM DIRECTOR

The Quetta Gladiators owner Mr. Nadeem Omar and the team management has decided to appoint Pakistan’s former captain and ’92 WC winner Mr. Moin Khan as
Team Director.
Khan has been serving the team as the Head Coach since… pic.twitter.com/umQ6ri2dTS

— Quetta Gladiators (@TeamQuetta) December 5, 2023

Quetta Gladiators became PSL champions in 2019 under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, with Shane Watson leading their batting line-up.

Watson was the highest run-scorer with 430 runs at a strike rate of 143.81 and was named player of the tournament during the 2019 edition.

However, since then Gladiators failed to qualify for the play-off stages in the next four editions of the PSL.

Shane Watson has previously served the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach in 2022, as well as the head coach of the Major League Cricket franchise San Francisco Unicorns earlier this year.

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Shane Watson picks Babar, Shaheen among top five World T20I players

DUBAI: Australia’s legendary all-rounder Shane Watson heaped praises on Pakistan’s top batter Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as he revealed the top five players in World T20I.

Watson, while featuring in the latest episode of ICC Review, unveiled the five players he would select first if given a task to select a World XI in the shortest format of the game to a query from the host Sanjana Ganesan.

“First one I’d pick would be Babar Azam,” Watson said. “He’s the No.1 T20I batsman in the world, and he just knows how to dominate.

“It’s like he’s not even taking any risks, and he scores incredibly quickly against the best bowlers in the world.

“He’s going to do very well in Australian conditions (during the T20 World Cup) as well, as his technique is very much built for Australian conditions.”

The world cup-winning all-rounder then went on to pick Pakistan ace pacer, Shaheen and praised his wicket-taking ability while referring to his performance in last year’s ICC World T20.

“And the last one is Shaheen Afridi,” Watson said. “His wicket-taking ability is something special.

“We saw in the last men’s T20 World Cup his ability to be able to get the best batsmen out with that brand new ball. I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t really dominate in Australian conditions, with the ball swinging around and fast, bouncy wickets,” Watson maintained.

The right-handed all-rounder also expressed his concerns over Shaheen getting a bit erratic if he does not get early wickets, while at the same time hoping that the left-arm pacer would be working on it.

“My only little concern with him is, if he doesn’t take wickets to start with, then he can tail off a little bit.

“But I’m sure he’s been working on that. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t dominate here.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Shaheen was the only bowler that Watson picked in his first top five players. Whereas, the three batters beside Babar were England’s Jos Buttler, Australia’s David Warner, and India’s Suryakumar Yadav.

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Shane Watson rates Babar as the second-best batter in Test cricket

DUBAI: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has rated Pakistan’s top-ranked batter, Babar Azam, as the current second-best in Test cricket.

Watson, while featuring in the latest episode of the ICC Review, commented on the ‘Big Five’ batters that include Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root.

In the episode, Watson was asked to rank the ‘Big Five’ batters by the host Isa Guha in accordance with their recent performances in the longest format of the game.

Former top-ranked batter Virat managed to get the first ranked by Watson, followed by the Pakistan captain Babar, who was ranked as second-best by the former Australian all-rounder.

How would you rank the unofficial ‘Big 5’? @ShaneRWatson33 gives it a go and the results might surprise you 🤔

Take a look ⬇️

— ICC (@ICC) April 14, 2022

Watson commented on Babar’s performance in the red-ball cricket, saying it’s great how he adapted and move his game to Test cricket.

“Babar Azam is playing incredibly well. [It’s great] to be able to see how he has adapted his game to really move his game to Test cricket as well,” he was quoted saying.

“Babar Azam would probably be No.2 at the moment,” Watson concluded.

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