Defending champions Islamabad United have named former New Zealand pacer Ian Butler as their new bowling coach for Pakistan Super League(PSL) 2025.
As per PSL 2025 schedule the first match will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars on 11 April in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
PSL 2025 will be played between six teams in a double round-robin and playoff format where the top four teams of the PSL 2025 points table will advance to the playoff round.
The 43-year-old will replace former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood in the same role who departs due to his ongoing role with the Pakistan national men’s team.
In a statement, Islamabad United expressed gratitude for Mahmood’s contributions, both as a player and a coach, while welcoming Butler to the team.
“Islamabad United, the most successful franchise in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, is pleased to announce Ian Butler as the team’s bowling coach for PSL 10. At the same time, the franchise bids farewell to Azhar Mahmood, who is currently working with the Pakistan national team.
Azhar played a key role in Islamabad United’s success both as a player and a coach, winning PSL 1 in 2016 as a player and as an assistant coach in 2024” the statement read.
In addition to Hesson, Butler will be working alongside batting coach Ashley Wright, performance coach Hanif Malik, and analyst Ben Jones.
“I’m really excited to be part of Islamabad United for PSL 10. This will be my first experience coaching in Pakistan, and I’ve heard great things about the passion for cricket here.
Islamabad United has a fantastic legacy in the PSL, and I’m looking forward to working with the talented bowling group to help the team push for another title,” Butler said in a statement published by United.
For New Zealand, Ian Butler has played 8 tests, 26 ODIs and 19 T20s and bagged 24, 28 and 23 wickets respectively. Butler announced his retirement from cricket in 2014 and in January 2022, he accepted the role of Director of Cricket at C.I.Y.M.S. Cricket Club in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
