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Ian Butler Replaces Former Pakistan All-Rounder As Islamabad United Bowling Coach

Bhargav Dixit

Ian Butler last played for New Zealand in 2013. [Source: @husnain19X/X]Ian Butler last played for New Zealand in 2013. [Source: @husnain19X/X]

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Former New Zealand pacer Ian Butler has joined Islamabad United as a bowling coach. Been involved in the coaching capacity with regional teams till now, this is going to be Butler’s maiden stint in the T20 circuit.

Butler, 43, will replace former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood in the same role. Currently working with the national team, Mahmood was appointed as Islamabad’s head coach before PSL 2022.

However, ahead of the previous season, he was demoted to a bowling coach when Mike Hesson joined the franchise in the capacity of a head coach. As is the custom in T20 leagues around the world, Hesson might have played a role in bringing another Kiwi onboard.

Islamabad United Final Support Staff Before PSL 10

Other than 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.

Butler, who represented New Zealand 53 times across the three formats between 2002-2013, participated in the just the T20 Blast as far as T20 competitions outside New Zealand are concerned.

The right-arm bowler plied his trade for Kent Spitfires, Gloucestershire Gladiators, Nottinghamshire Outlaws and Northamptonshire Steelbacks across four seasons between 2004-2014.

For those who don’t know, IU is the most successful franchise in PSL history. Having won the competition a total of three times including last season, the franchise would be aiming to become only the second team to defend a title in the PSL.