(BCCI Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer is poised to take on the role of head coach for the IPL team Punjab Kings. The 46-year-old Jaffer, who accumulated 1,944 runs in 31 Test matches during his eight-year international career, will succeed Trevor Bayliss, who was the head coach for PBKS in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons.
As reported by the Indian Express on Friday, Jaffer is set to rejoin the Mohali-based franchise, which is co-owned by Bollywood star Preity Zinta. Known for being the all-time leading run scorer in the Ranji Trophy, Jaffer has previously held positions with PBKS as the batting coach from 2019 to 2021 and as a batting consultant in 2023.
Trevor Bayliss, the former England head coach who led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, was appointed as the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2023 IPL season on a two-year contract. However, his tenure with PBKS did not yield the expected results, with the team finishing 8th in 2023 and 9th in 2024 on the points table.
Rumors about PBKS seeking a new head coach for the 2025 IPL season had been circulating for some time, particularly after it was reported that the franchise was not inclined to offer Bayliss an extension and was considering hiring an Indian coach.
If Wasim Jaffer is confirmed for the role, he will face significant challenges. Despite competing in all 17 seasons of the IPL, PBKS has never won a title and has not qualified for the playoffs in the past decade.
In the 2024 IPL season, Punjab Kings began with Shikhar Dhawan as captain, but following his injury, English all-rounder Sam Curran took over the leadership role. It remains to be seen whether PBKS will keep Dhawan or Curran as captain for the IPL 2025 season, particularly with the upcoming mega auction on the horizon.
There is a strong possibility that star Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was among the leading wicket-takers in the T20 World Cup 2024, will be retained by the franchise.
