- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,990
Just announced in a press conference.
Sammy will have a contract for 2 years and will also play if needed.
"As a player, it's always difficult to make the transition. Throughout the years of playing and leading this franchise, we have demonstrated that PZ isn't just about cricket. It's a family. From the 2nd season, I've been the captain. We had our successes, we played 3 finals and won in 2017.
"The last two years I've played while not being fully fit. This year, I feel the best and I am all fit and ready to go but if there's one thing that has made PZ what it is today, is my message as the VC then, and then captain, I asked players to do what's best for the team. As a leader, I have demonstrated that.
"This season, my preparation and form hasn't really been where I want it to be, to be able to perform for my team in the best way possible. I communicated with Mohammad Akram. Javed doesn't really get involved in the cricketing aspect. We have a good relationship, I respect him and love him as a person.
"2 days ago, someone asked me who is my best coach on Instagram. I said Ottis Gibson, and then Mohammad Akram. So I have a lot of respect for him and I value his opinion. So we came to this decision, doing what's best for the team.
"What greater example, if I'm asking my players to do what's best for team - I think the best sermon is one that's lived, not the one that is preached.
"I still have the option to select myself (laughing) but I think for this tournament, the way my game is, looking at the young players, I think it's time for me to lead the team in a different role.
"I got great love for this franchise, the players respect me and it's a great opportunity for me to lead from the outside with my skills. I know I'll have the full support of the coaching staff and players and coach Akram.
"It may be my last game on the field for Zalmi but I have cherished all the moments. Seeing the tournament here in Pakistan is a blessing.
"I've never really coached, but over the years, playing in so many different franchises, especially in the T20 format, it's about more man management than anything else. You get players for 6 weeks and there isn't much you can do in terms of the technical aspects.
"In terms of having a plan together, discussing the brand of cricket and having the personnel to execute it - I've been doing that on the field. It's just transferring that into the coaching role.
"Is it an easy decision? I still have a passion to play. I'll also be captaining the St. Lucia franchise. I haven't retired, I'm still playing. It gives me 5 months to get myself ready. Throughout my career, my strongest asset has been my mind. We all have families, and sometimes you disagree within your own family.
"I'm not saying that me and coach didn't go back and forth. I'm saying I'm making the best decision for the team, which is something I've always preached. No matter who you are, the team comes first. My mannerisms and the way I play have shown I am a team player, no matter how tough the decision is. Nothing but love and respect for the franchise, players and coaching staff.
"I've always said that cricket which is my passion brought me here. What I've experienced as an Islander - we got so many of them in the Caribbean. When people visit our island, as beautiful as it is, they always say the people make the island. To me, that is the sweetest thing I have experienced. The love of the people have made Pakistan what it is. Because of the way they've embraced us when we took the step in 2017, this is why we see the entire tournament here playing in front of full crowds. Every sportsman loves playing cricket in front of a full house."
Sammy will have a contract for 2 years and will also play if needed.
"As a player, it's always difficult to make the transition. Throughout the years of playing and leading this franchise, we have demonstrated that PZ isn't just about cricket. It's a family. From the 2nd season, I've been the captain. We had our successes, we played 3 finals and won in 2017.
"The last two years I've played while not being fully fit. This year, I feel the best and I am all fit and ready to go but if there's one thing that has made PZ what it is today, is my message as the VC then, and then captain, I asked players to do what's best for the team. As a leader, I have demonstrated that.
"This season, my preparation and form hasn't really been where I want it to be, to be able to perform for my team in the best way possible. I communicated with Mohammad Akram. Javed doesn't really get involved in the cricketing aspect. We have a good relationship, I respect him and love him as a person.
"2 days ago, someone asked me who is my best coach on Instagram. I said Ottis Gibson, and then Mohammad Akram. So I have a lot of respect for him and I value his opinion. So we came to this decision, doing what's best for the team.
"What greater example, if I'm asking my players to do what's best for team - I think the best sermon is one that's lived, not the one that is preached.
"I still have the option to select myself (laughing) but I think for this tournament, the way my game is, looking at the young players, I think it's time for me to lead the team in a different role.
"I got great love for this franchise, the players respect me and it's a great opportunity for me to lead from the outside with my skills. I know I'll have the full support of the coaching staff and players and coach Akram.
"It may be my last game on the field for Zalmi but I have cherished all the moments. Seeing the tournament here in Pakistan is a blessing.
"I've never really coached, but over the years, playing in so many different franchises, especially in the T20 format, it's about more man management than anything else. You get players for 6 weeks and there isn't much you can do in terms of the technical aspects.
"In terms of having a plan together, discussing the brand of cricket and having the personnel to execute it - I've been doing that on the field. It's just transferring that into the coaching role.
"Is it an easy decision? I still have a passion to play. I'll also be captaining the St. Lucia franchise. I haven't retired, I'm still playing. It gives me 5 months to get myself ready. Throughout my career, my strongest asset has been my mind. We all have families, and sometimes you disagree within your own family.
"I'm not saying that me and coach didn't go back and forth. I'm saying I'm making the best decision for the team, which is something I've always preached. No matter who you are, the team comes first. My mannerisms and the way I play have shown I am a team player, no matter how tough the decision is. Nothing but love and respect for the franchise, players and coaching staff.
"I've always said that cricket which is my passion brought me here. What I've experienced as an Islander - we got so many of them in the Caribbean. When people visit our island, as beautiful as it is, they always say the people make the island. To me, that is the sweetest thing I have experienced. The love of the people have made Pakistan what it is. Because of the way they've embraced us when we took the step in 2017, this is why we see the entire tournament here playing in front of full crowds. Every sportsman loves playing cricket in front of a full house."
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