Phil Simmons has been appointed Head Coach of Karachi Kings for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

The experienced Trinidadian has been successful in a number of coaching roles, and is best known in these parts for his eight-year tenure with Ireland.

pic: Karachi Kings Twitter

"Returning to Karachi, a city I hold dear from my playing days, feels like a homecoming," said Simmons. 

"I am thrilled to join forces with Haider Azhar and the rest of the team's think tank, drawing from the rich cricketing heritage of this country.

"I am thankful to team owner Salman Iqbal, CEO Tariq Wasi, and Karachi Kings management for this opportunity. We are eager to move ahead with our rebuilding and restart process of Karachi Kings and establish this franchise as a match-winning unit."

He takes over from South African Johan Botha who played for Ireland as an overseas player in 2005.

The auction for the PSL takes place on Wednesday with the tournament taking place from February 13th to March 18th.