In a groundbreaking move for the world of cricket, former England spinner Alex Hartley is poised to take on the role of assistant spin coach for the men’s Pakistan Super League franchise, Multan Sultans. At just 30 years old, Hartley brings a wealth of experience, having been a crucial part of England’s World Cup-winning team in 2017. Her retirement from professional cricket in August opened up exciting new opportunities, including her role as a broadcaster on BBC Test Match Special and her co-hosting of the popular No Balls podcast alongside England’s Kate Cross.
But Hartley isn’t the only pioneering woman making waves in the world of cricket coaching. Joining her at Multan Sultans is former Ireland player Catherine Dalton, who will be serving as a fast-bowling coach. At the same age as Hartley, Dalton boasts an impressive cricket career, having played four one-day internationals and four T20s for Ireland, and she continues to represent Essex in women’s county cricket while delving into coaching.
What makes this development even more exciting is that Dalton and Hartley will be the first female coaches in the Pakistan Super League, making it a groundbreaking moment for the league and cricket as a whole. Dalton expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s not lost on me the groundbreaking 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.”
This trend of female coaches breaking barriers is not limited to the Pakistan Super League. Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been coaching men’s cricket with Sussex since 2021 and with Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Similarly, ex-England coach Lisa Keightley has worked with the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s franchise competition, the SA20.
While the specific lineups for the PSL teams have yet to be confirmed, the excitement is building as the competition is set to kick off on 8 February. This year’s league promises to be historic not only for the thrilling cricket action it will bring but also for the unprecedented inclusion of talented female coaches like Alex Hartley and Catherine Dalton. Their presence is a testament to the evolving landscape of cricket, where talent knows no gender boundaries, and passion for the game drives individuals to new heights.
This move by Multan Sultans is a step in the right direction, breaking down gender barriers and ushering in a new era of diversity and inclusion in the world of cricket coaching. We can’t wait to see the impact these talented women will make on the league and the future of cricket as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about gender-inclusive coaching
Q: Who is Alex Hartley, and what is her role with Multan Sultans?
A: Alex Hartley is a former England spinner and a key member of the 2017 World Cup-winning team. She is set to become the assistant spin coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Q: Who is Catherine Dalton, and what position will she hold at Multan Sultans?
A: Catherine Dalton is a former Ireland player and a fast-bowling coach. She will be joining Multan Sultans in a coaching role, marking a historic moment as one of the first female coaches in the PSL.
Q: When will the PSL competition start, and why is it significant in this context?
A: The PSL is scheduled to begin on 8 February. This year’s league is particularly significant because it welcomes the first female coaches, Alex Hartley and Catherine Dalton, breaking gender barriers in cricket coaching.
Q: Are there other instances of female coaches in men’s cricket?
A: Yes, there have been other instances of female coaches making their mark in men’s cricket. Sarah Taylor coaches men’s cricket with Sussex and Manchester Originals, and Lisa Keightley has worked with the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s franchise competition, SA20. These examples reflect a positive shift towards greater diversity and inclusion in cricket coaching.
Q: What does the inclusion of female coaches signify for the future of cricket?
A: The inclusion of female coaches like Alex Hartley and Catherine Dalton represents a step towards greater diversity and inclusivity in cricket. It showcases that talent knows no gender boundaries and highlights the evolving landscape of cricket coaching.
More about gender-inclusive coaching
- [Alex Hartley: Former England Spinner](Link to a relevant article)
- [Catherine Dalton’s Cricket Career](Link to information about Catherine Dalton’s cricket career)
- [Pakistan Super League (PSL)](Link to the official PSL website or related news)
- [Sarah Taylor’s Coaching Career](Link to information about Sarah Taylor’s coaching career)
- [Lisa Keightley’s Coaching in SA20](Link to information about Lisa Keightley’s coaching in SA20)
3 comments
this is gud stuff. Women makin history in cricket. go girlzz!
oh wow! Female coaches in PSL! that’s amazin, so excited to see this happenin
Alex & Catherine showin the world it’s not ’bout gender, it’s ’bout skills. pumped for PSL