Former Australian cricketer and current head coach of Quetta Gladiators, Shane Watson, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in the ongoing Pakistan Super League season nine. 

Speaking to a local sports channel, Watson highlighted the players’ commitment and their ability to rise to the occasion when needed. He also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where players feel empowered to excel.

“I’ve been very happy with the way the guys have played. For me, the most important thing about being a head coach of Quetta Gladiators 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,” Watson said.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be the head coach of a team like Quetta Gladiators. Creating the ultimate environment for players has been immensely rewarding.” he further added.

Watson stressed the significance of players trusting their instincts and playing fearlessly during matches. He encouraged them to make tactical decisions based on their intuition and fully commit to their actions. 

“The thing that I normally talk to the players about is just trusting what they feel is the right thing at that moment in time of the game. They know better than anyone that what is the right tactical play is right there. And then, and if they feel that it’s the time to be able to really go then have no fear, take the game on, take the balls on and don’t think about the consequences at all,” Watson said.

“And that’s I know, that’s when I played my best and that’s when everyone plays at their best when they’ve got no fear. They just trust what they feel and then fully commit to it. And that’s where most, it pays off, sometimes, it doesn’t, it’s sports, you’re going make mistakes or opposition is going to be better on the day. But so far, it’s normally a really nice recipe for success,” he further added.

In terms of player analysis, Watson praised the skills of Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay, highlighting their potential contributions to Pakistan cricket. He noted Saud’s ability to complement Jason Roy at the opening slot and Nafay’s exceptional power and bat speed.

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

Commenting on the evolution of the tournament, Watson acknowledged the emergence of talented local and overseas players, particularly the power hitters in the top and middle order.

“The tournament has evolved significantly, with a plethora of talented local and overseas players. The thing that’s probably stood out for me is the power of the power hitters that have really come through, whether it’s the top order or middle order power hitters from Pakistan,” he stated.

Regarding former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership, Watson lauded the 37-year-old’s contribution both on and off the field. He praised Sarfaraz’s leadership qualities and his ability to support his teammates, regardless of his captaincy status.

“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. 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 value he needs to,” he concluded.