PSL 2020: Islamabad United part ways with head coach Dean Jones

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United, on Wednesday, announced their decision of parting ways with their head coach Dean Jones. The decision ended the four-year association between the PSL outfit and the former Australia batsman. Jones enjoyed a highly successful stint with the Islamabad-based outfit.

He led the team to two titles in 2016 and 2018. The franchise won the first PSL title, defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final of 2016. Last year, they defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the final to become the first and only team so far to have won the title twice. Islamabad United are presently the most successful team in the history of the league.

During Jones’ stint, Islamabad United won 25 of their 44 games as the Australian departed with an impressive win percentage of 57.95. In the last edition, Islamabad made it to the playoffs but could not enter the final. They eventually finished at the third spot in the points table after winning 6 and losing as many games during the season. Islamabad had defeated Karachi Kings in the eliminator before suffering a comprehensive loss at the hands of Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator.

Dean Jones slightly disappointed

The franchise took to Twitter to announce the news. They thanked Jones for his ‘amazing’ services and wished him luck for his future endeavors. Islamabad also asked their fans to be ready for a big announcement, writing, “Thank you #Ustaad @ProfDeano for an amazing 4 seasons. Your contributions to #ISLU will always be cherished. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.#Sherus are preparing for the coming season. Some big announcements coming soon!”

Thank you #Ustaad @ProfDeano for an amazing 4 seasons. Your contributions to #ISLU will always be cherished. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors. #Sherus are preparing for the coming season. Some big announcements coming soon! #UnitedWeWin #DimaghSe pic.twitter.com/nE63rku07w

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) November 6, 2019

Jones, meanwhile, did not sound happy at all with the franchise’s decision. In a video shared on Twitter by Jones, the Aussie legend did not hesitate in admitting that he was slightly disappointed with the news. He was quick to point out his track record, saying that he helped the team win six out of eight playoff matches as well as two titles.

“It has been a wonderful four years I’ve had with them,” he further said. “I’ve seen some young kids go on to play for Islamabad and go onto play for Pakistan. It has just been a magnificent journey along the way. I’ve really had some fun. I’d also like to thank the fans. It’s been a really good time.”

“More importantly, I want to thank the players; you’ve been nothing short of outstanding. Thanks again to Amna (Naqvi) and Ali (Naqvi) for the wonderful privilege of being your head coach for four years at Islamabad. Wish you all the best for the future,” he added.