DUBAI: Former Leicester City Manager Claudio Ranieri looks set to be unveiled as the Karachi Kings manager for Pakistan Super League, after the English champions sacked the Italian on Thursday.
According to reports, Ranieri is looking for his next impossible sporting challenge and the Karachi Kings offer that in no shortage.
Whether Ranieri takes over next season or this one depends on the Kings’ qualification to this year’s playoffs, which as of Friday night seemed unlikely.
Ranieri was sacked on Thursday, months after leading Leicester City to their famous 5000/1 Premier League win in May 2016. While the odds for PSL3 aren’t out yet, bookies are already suggesting ‘Leicester like’ odds for Kings to win the Pakistan Super League next year.
While Karachi and Ranieri seem to be a match made in heaven, as things stand, there are rumours that the Italian might be offered a completely different position, albeit in the same sporting league.
Sources privy to PSL Chairman Najam Sethi reveal that Ranieri might be made the head of the special task committee designed to bring PSL to Pakistan.
“After helping Leicester win the Premier League, Claudio Ranieri might be the PSL’s only chance of reaching Pakistan,” said a Pakistan Cricket Board official wishing anonymity. “If Ranieri picks us over Karachi Kings, his first task would be ensuring the PSL final takes place in Lahore this year.”
