Misbah-ul-Haq named head coach of Sudurpashchim Royals

Nepal Premier League team Sudurpashchim Royals has appointed former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach. He has been appointed for the league's third edition. The team announced the news via social media.

Misbah replaces Jagat Tamata, who coached the team in its first two editions. The Royals described him as one of the most respected figures in international cricket from Pakistan.

In a video released by the team, Misbah said he was excited to become the Royals' coach. He has played about 75 Tests, 162 ODIs and 39 T20 internationals for Pakistan. He has scored around 5,200 runs in Tests and about 5,100 runs in ODIs.

As captain, he led Pakistan in about 56 Tests. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2016.

Misbah retired from limited-overs cricket after the 2015 World Cup and from Test cricket in 2017. He served as head coach and chief selector of the Pakistan men's team from 2019 to 2021.

Sudurpashchim Royals finished at the top of the league stage in both previous editions.