Misbah-ul-Haq Named Sudurpaschim Royals Head Coach

Former Pakistan captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has been appointed head coach of Sudurpaschim Royals for the upcoming Nepal Premier League (NPL) season, the franchise confirmed on social media. He replaces Jagat Tamata, who coached the side in the first two editions.

Misbah’s Message

Misbah said he is very excited to join the Royals, that he has heard a lot about the passion for cricket in Nepal and that he looks forward to working with the talented group of players.

The Royals

Sudurpaschim Royals topped the league standings in both previous editions and reached the final each time, and are now looking for their first NPL title. The third season runs from October 26 to November 21.

Misbah’s Career

• Test captaincy: He played 75 Tests, scoring 5,222 runs with 10 centuries, and led Pakistan in 56 Tests, winning 26. Under him, Pakistan reached the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2016.

• ODIs: He scored 5,122 runs and retired from limited-overs internationals after the 2015 World Cup. He ended his Test career in 2017.

• Franchise cricket: He captained Islamabad United to the title in the inaugural Pakistan Super League season in 2016.

• Coaching: He served as Pakistan’s men’s head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021, and earlier in 2026 was batting coach of Peshawar Zalmi, who won PSL 11.