Catherine Dalton scripts history by becoming first-ever female pace bowling coach of PSL team Multan Sultans

In a recent development for Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, Catherine Dalton has been signed as the fast-bowling coach for Multan Sultans, making her the first female coach in PSL history and the first female fast-bowling coach of a top-level men's side. The official announcement is set to be made later today.

Catherine Dalton, 30, hailing from England and an Irish citizen since 2015, is no stranger to Pakistan, having visited the country twice before. During her previous visits, she worked closely with numerous fast bowlers, including the likes of Mohammad Ilyas, Sameen Gul, and Arshad Iqbal, in addition to nurturing several Under-19 players.

Possessing an ECB-certified Level 3 Advanced Coach qualification, Dalton has a rich coaching background, having previously held coaching positions at the national fast-bowling academy in the UK and the Ultimate Pace Foundation in India. Her experience also extends to working with renowned players like Deepak Chahar. Notably, Dalton served as the assistant head coach at the National Fast-Bowling Academy in the UK, alongside Ian Pont and Andre Nel.

"Having worked in Pakistan with some of the Multan Sultan players on two previous visits, I am really thrilled to be officially joining up with the franchise at the PSL," Dalton told ESPNcricinfo while expressing her excitement about her new role.

"It's not lost on me the ground-breaking moment for a female fast-bowling coach to be working in a major men's T20 franchise. I am very humbled by the opportunity and cannot wait to hopefully help make a difference on multiple levels," she further added.

Ali Tareen, the owner of Multan Sultans, had a strong belief in Dalton's capabilities

Meanwhile, Ali Tareen, the owner of the PSL franchise Multan Sultans, shared his views on the historic signing of Catherine Dalton. Tareen said that Dalton has been an integral part of the franchise's player development programme for the last five years. Having watched her from close quarters, the owner has a sense of trust after watching how efficiently she deals with young players and helps them improve in person.

"Catherine has been part of our player-development programme for almost five years now. I have seen how she has improved players first-hand. I always knew she would become a fast-bowling coach at a high level. I am so glad that her first opportunity came at the Sultans," Tareen concluded. 

With the PSL confirmed to take place between February 8 and March 24, 2024, Multan Sultans are gearing up for another exciting season with Catherine Dalton as their fast-bowling coach, ready to make history in the world of cricket coaching.