The Quetta Gladiators have joined the overreaction club PSL 11. Just a few games into the new season. Former Pakistan bowler Sohail Tanvir has now officially joined as a new bowling coach. Though, he is not entirely a newcomer to the Gladiators’ changing room. He was part of the squad that won the PSL trophy in 2019. In a way, this technically is a homecoming. As the contest moves closer to the May 3 climax, he will formally join the team on Tuesday.
The Wahab Riaz Situation: Why the Sudden Change?
If you are wondering why Quetta is making a coaching change in the middle of the tournament, it all comes down to a strict intervention by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Tanvir is stepping in to replace Wahab Riaz. Alongside his franchise duties, Riaz is currently serving as the mentor for the Pakistan national women’s team. Initially, the PCB had granted Riaz a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), which cleared him to work as both the director and bowling coach for the Gladiators.
However, the board quickly walked back that decision. After reviewing his national commitments, the PCB revoked the NOC to enforce their strict policy: permanent board officials cannot simultaneously hold paid positions with domestic franchises. The move was made to eliminate any potential conflict of interest.
Quetta Gladiators have appointed Sohail Tanvir as their new bowling coach after the PCB revoked Wahab Riaz’s NOC. Tanvir, who has previously played in the PSL for Quetta, will join the squad tomorrow.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) March 30, 2026
Meanwhile, the franchise has confirmed that Wahab Riaz and Sarfaraz Ahmed have… pic.twitter.com/ntAMGBiY7O
Where Do the Gladiators Stand Right Now?
This coaching reshuffle comes at a time that Quetta is looking to gain some momentum early in the season. The previous season’s finalists are currently placed fifth on the PSL 11 points table, with two points from their first couple of games. Their campaign began shakily when they fell to a close 14-run loss against the Karachi Kings. However, their second match turned out in stark contrast, as they cruised to a huge 60-run victory over the new league entrants: Hyderabad Kingsmen. Now, with Sohail Tanvir leading the charge in bowling department, Gladiators are prepared for a big challenge.
Who is the new bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 11?
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has been officially appointed as the new bowling coach for the Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing PSL 11 season.
Why was Wahab Riaz removed as the bowling coach?
The PCB revoked Wahab Riaz’s NOC to avoid a conflict of interest. Riaz is currently serving as the mentor for the Pakistan national women’s team, and PCB rules strictly prohibit permanent board officials from simultaneously holding paid positions with domestic franchises.
Has Sohail Tanvir been part of the Quetta Gladiators before?
Yes, this is a homecoming for Sohail Tanvir. He was a key player for the Quetta Gladiators and was a core part of the squad that won the PSL championship back in 2019.
Who will the Quetta Gladiators play next?
Under their new bowling coach, the Gladiators will face off against the three-time champions, Islamabad United, this Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium.
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