New Zealand assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram are set to join Islamabad United for the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), even though the tournament overlaps with New Zealand’s international schedule.
Luke Ronchi, who currently serves as New Zealand’s batting coach, was appointed head coach of Islamabad United in January. He previously represented the franchise as a player and featured in three PSL seasons after making his debut in the 2017–18 edition.
Jacob Oram, New Zealand’s bowling coach, will join the team as an assistant coach and will work alongside Ronchi during the tournament.
New Zealand Cricket’s performance manager, Mike Sandle, supported the move and said the opportunity would help both coaches gain valuable international experience.
He noted that coaches, like players, are increasingly in demand in leagues around the world and that Ronchi and Oram will benefit from the experience. He also added that the knowledge they gain from the PSL could later help the Black Caps and New Zealand Cricket.
New Zealand is scheduled to host South Africa for a five-match T20I series from March 15 to March 25, just one day before the PSL begins on March 26.
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League will feature eight teams, including two new franchises, Hyderabad Kingsmen and Pindiz. A total of 44 matches will be played during the tournament, which will run from March 26 to May 3.
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars will open the tournament against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at their home ground on March 26.
Each team will play 10 matches in the league stage, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The knockout stage will include Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 before the final takes place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3. A reserve day has been scheduled for May 4.
This season will also feature six double-header match days, three of which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium.
For the first time in PSL history, matches will be held across six venues in Pakistan, with Faisalabad and Peshawar joining Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi as host cities.
