![Jason Gillespie shames PSL welcome video [Source: @HHKingsmen/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774431659201_JasonGillespie.jpg?type=hq)
Jason Gillespie shames PSL welcome video [Source: @HHKingsmen/x]
An awkward moment has unfolded in the Hyderabad Kingsmen setup just days prior to the launch of the PSL 2026 season. The moment occurred when team’s head coach Jason Gillespie blatantly refused to shoot a “welcome video”, and even called the tradition “stupid”.
Gillespie was appointed as the head coach of the Hyderabad Kingsmen franchise a couple of months ago, even though the former Australian fast bowler ended his previous coaching stint in Pakistan on a controversial note.
Jason Gillespie shames Pakistan’s pre-PSL season theatrics
Franchise T20 leagues, in their bid to amplify fan engagement and brand identity, have increasingly leaned into pre-season theatrics. Some franchises in such tournaments often blur the line between the authentic storytelling and performative spectacle.
Against this backdrop, an unexpected moment within the Hyderabad Kingsmen camp has brought that very culture under scrutiny just before the PSL 2026 season.
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On Tuesday, March 24, the Hyderabad Kingsmen franchise shared a short “welcome video” for players and the support staff on their social media accounts. As the camera panned through multiple Kingsmen members, Gillespie also smilingly waved his hands but refused to come down to the hotel lobby.
Instead, the former Australian cricketer shamed the tradition, and even called it “stupid”. He said “I am not coming down. Got too much to do. I bet you want me to film one of those stupid arrival videos that you see. No, I am not doing that. I have got too much to do but thanks anyway.”
Jason Gillespie takes up Pakistan coaching despite past history
Jason Gillespie took up Hyderabad Kingsmen coaching stint a couple of months ago. Interestingly, the former Australian cricketer took up the stint despite holding a controversial past with the Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB.
Back in April 2024, Gillespie was appointed as Pakistan’s Test head coach for a two-year period. He also took up team’s white-ball coaching after the pre-mature exit of Gary Kirsten later that year. However, in December, he resigned as head coach citing creative differences with the board.
Hyderabad Kingsmen to take on Qalandars in revamped schedule
Hyderabad Kingsmen, under the leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, will be taking on Lahore Qalandars in the opening match of the PSL 2026 season. The match will be hosted by the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, March 26 later this week.
Interestingly, the PCB has confirmed that the entire tournament will be played between closed doors owing to the prevailing fuel crisis in Pakistan. Moreover, the PCB also stated that the entire season will be played in only two venues, namely in Lahore and Karachi.
As the Hyderabad Kingsmen gear up for their PSL 2026 opener, the focus will inevitably shift to on-field performances. However, Jason Gillespie’s candid stance has already cast a spotlight on the league’s off-field culture.
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