Former England Spinner Alex Hartley and Former Ireland Player Catherine Dalton Join PSL as Groundbreaking Female Coaches

Former England spinner Alex Hartley and former Ireland player Catherine Dalton are set to make history as the first female coaches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Hartley, 30, who was part of England’s World Cup-winning side in 2017, will be confirmed as the assistant spin coach for the men’s PSL franchise Multan Sultans. Dalton, also 30, has joined the same franchise as a fast-bowling coach.

Hartley, who retired from cricket in August, has been making a name for herself as a broadcaster, working on BBC Test Match Special and hosting the No Balls podcast with England’s Kate Cross. Dalton, on the other hand, continues to represent Essex in women’s county cricket alongside her coaching career.

“This is a groundbreaking moment for a female fast-bowling coach to be working in a major men’s T20 franchise,” Dalton said. “I am very humbled by the opportunity and cannot wait to hopefully make a difference on multiple levels.”

The presence of female coaches in men’s cricket has been steadily increasing in recent years. Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been coaching men’s cricket with Sussex since 2021 and with Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Additionally, ex-England coach Lisa Keightley has worked with Paarl Royals in South Africa’s franchise competition, the SA20.

The squads for the upcoming PSL have not been confirmed yet, but the competition is slated to begin on 8th February. With the inclusion of Hartley and Dalton, the PSL is taking a significant step forward in promoting gender inclusivity in cricket coaching.

The appointment of female coaches like Hartley and Dalton not only provides valuable expertise to the teams but also breaks down barriers and inspires young girls who aspire to be involved in cricket at the highest level. As more opportunities open up for women in cricket, we can expect to see further progress in the coming years.