Shaun Tait Named Lahore Qalandars Head Coach
Lahore Qalandars have appointed former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as their new head coach for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2027 season. The appointment makes Tait the Lahore Qalandars head coach for the season, replacing South Africa’s Russell Domingo.
Qalandars Director Sameen Rana confirmed the decision during a podcast. He said an agreement had already been reached with Tait during the Global Super League (GSL) 2026, when the franchise told him of its plans to appoint him as head coach.
Tait, 43, coached the Qalandars at the GSL 2026 in Guyana, where the side played from July 23 to August 1. The franchise has now decided to retain him in the same role for the PSL season.
Lahore Qalandars head coach: what Tait brings
Tait was one of the fastest bowlers of his era. He represented Australia in three Tests, 35 one-day internationals and 21 Twenty20 internationals, and he was part of the squad that won the 2007 ODI World Cup. In 2010, he bowled a 161.1 km/h delivery against England, one of the fastest balls ever recorded in international cricket.
His coaching career has already crossed paths with Pakistan. He first served as the national team’s fast-bowling coach from 2022 to early 2023, under head coach Saqlain Mushtaq. He also worked as bowling consultant to Afghanistan in 2021.
Tait returned to Pakistan’s coaching set-up in October 2026 as bowling coach, replacing Ashley Noffke. Feature Pakistan reported on his return to the national set-up as Pakistan prepared for the home season.
A dual role across a busy calendar
The Qalandars job gives Tait a second role alongside his Pakistan duties. He has been working with the national team’s fast bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, during training in Rawalpindi. The link between the two jobs is direct: the bowlers he coaches for Pakistan include Qalandars’ own fast bowlers, such as Haris Rauf.
The calendar will test him. Pakistan host New Zealand for two Tests in February and March 2027, and the PSL is due to start on March 18, 2027. Tait will now oversee the Qalandars’ preparations for that season, with the player auction scheduled for January 23.
The Qalandars are three-time PSL champions, and the franchise has built its name on finding young fast bowlers. Tait’s brief will be to keep that pipeline going while chasing a fourth title.
The dates for PSL 12 are already set, with the league running into the South Asian Games window. The Qalandars will name their squad plans as the auction approaches.
What happens next
Tait will take charge of the Qalandars’ preparations for PSL 2027 in the coming weeks. The franchise has not announced the rest of its coaching staff for the season.
For Tait, the job is a step up from a short tournament role to a full PSL campaign. For the Qalandars, it is a bet that a former express paceman can sharpen the attack that has carried them to three titles.
Who is the new Lahore Qalandars head coach?
Former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, 43, has been appointed head coach for PSL 2027. He replaces South Africa’s Russell Domingo.
When was the appointment agreed?
Qalandars Director Sameen Rana said the agreement was reached during the Global Super League 2026, when Tait coached the side in Guyana. The franchise confirmed the decision on a podcast.
What is Shaun Tait’s role with Pakistan?
Tait is Pakistan’s bowling coach, a role he first held from 2022 to early 2023 and returned to in October 2026, replacing Ashley Noffke.
When is PSL 2027?
The PSL 2027 season is due to start on March 18, 2027, with the player auction scheduled for January 23. Tait will oversee the Qalandars’ preparations.
