Wasim Akram pays tribute to Late Dean Jones after taking over as Karachi Kings’ interim head coach for PSL 2020

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has taken over as the interim head coach for the Karachi Kings in the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, he said that he won’t become the head coach, paying tribute to Late Dean Jones, who passed away in the month of September. Jones was the head coach of the Kings when the league stage took place in February-March.

He also coached the Islamabad United, the 2016 and 2018 PSL champions. Akram, Pakistan’s all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket, mentioned that the Kings would be commemorating Jones, leaving a seat in the dressing room with his name.

“I am not taking Jones’s place as Kings’ head coach. I mean he will be missed throughout and we will leave his seat in our dressing room with his name,” Akram was quoted as saying during a live video conference on YouTube with Cricslab.

Jones was a great human being, says Wasim Akram

“He was a great buddy of mine. I know how he advocated for Pakistan across the world. He talked about Pakistan’s cricket, food, talent and hospitality everywhere in the world,” the legendary pacer mentioned.

Jones was a part of the commentary panel in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). The veteran was in Mumbai for his stint when he suffered a massive heart attack. Brett Lee, reportedly, tried to give him CPR, but to no avail.

“I believe he was a great human being and as a coach he was brilliant. No coach in this world can take his place ever,” Akram added. Jones had played 52 Tests and 164 ODIs for Australia in his career.

Kings to start their campaign against the Sultans

The Kings, in the league stage, won five out of their 10 matches and ended in the second position in the points table before Multan Sultans. The Kings, captained by Imad Wasim, would be playing in the Qualifier 1 against the Sultans itself on Saturday, November 14 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The team also has the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir, who both have been exceptional for their national teams over the years.