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Peshawar Zalmi sign James Foster as head coach

Umaid Asif celebrates in trademark fashion Pakistan Super League

James Foster, previously assistant coach, has been elevated to the post of head coach by the Peshawar Zalmi management. ESPNcricinfo understands the franchise is in talks with Daren Sammy over the possibility of extending his role as mentor.

Sammy has been one of the key figures for the franchise since PSL's inception in 2016, and has been one of the more recognisable overseas faces for the league. He started as vice-captain and took over the leadership following Shahid Afridi's resignation in 2017.

He was an integral part of the team as a player until 2020 when the franchise made a mid-season shuffle by replacing him with Wahab Riaz as full-time captain. Sammy then had a two-year stint as head coach of the team in 2020 and 2021. For the record, Sammy is yet to officially retire from all cricket and hasn't played any competitive form of the game since the CPL final in 2020.

Meanwhile, Foster, the former England wicketkeeper, is a familiar name in T20 Leagues and is fast becoming a constant across leagues, having worked in the IPL, BBL, BPL and CPL. He was also consultant with Netherlands.

It's understood one of the reasons Zalmi were on the lookout for a head coach was because of Sammy's other commitments as a broadcaster. However, they still are engaging with him to ensure his presence in a mentorship role.

PSL champions of 2017, Zalmi have featured in the most number of PSL finals. They are the second-most successful PSL teams, behind Islamabad United, with 38 wins in 70 games.