Darren Sammy resigns from Peshawar Zalmi captaincy to assume head coach role with immediate effect

Sammy had captained the side on 39 occasions before being left out of the XI for Monday's defeat to Karachi Kings

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Darren Sammy is to take over as head coach of the Pakistan Super League's Peshawar Zalmi franchise with immediate effect.

The West Indies allrounder has been a fixture of the team's lineup since the launch of the tournament in 2016, going on to captain the side on 39 occasions before being left out of the playing XI for Monday's loss to Karachi Kings.

However, the 36-year-old announced at a press conference today that he will resign the captaincy with immediate effect in order to take up a player-coach role, leading the side from the dugout for the next two years.

"As a player, it's always difficult to make the transition," remarked Sammy.

"I think throughout the years of playing and leading this franchise, we have demonstrated that Peshawar Zalmi is not just about cricket.

"We've had our successes, but the truth is in the last two years I've played not fully fit. This year I must admit I feel the best and ready to go, but since 2016 all I have asked from my players is to do what's necessary and what's best for the team. 

"As a leader, I think I have demonstrated that. This season, my preparation and my form has not really been exactly what I wanted it to be to be able to perform for the team in the best way possible.

"I still have the option to select myself and play on the park, but I think for this tournament right now, with the way my game is I think it's time for me to lead the team in a different role."

^{Sammy captained the franchise to the 2017 title and will stay on as a player-coach}

Sammy, who captained the team to the tournament title in 2017 as well as back-to-back finals in the two following seasons, will succeed former Pakistan Test seamer Mohammad Akram in the coaching role.

The management reshuffle, which follows the side taking just two wins from its first six group matches during this year's competition, sees the 45-year-old now assume the titles of director of cricket and bowling coach.

Wahab Riaz, the league's all-time leading wicket-taker with 70 victims in 50 matches, will step in as captain for the duration of this year's tournament.

"When we started this journey in 2016, I sat with him and I told him that we were going to be together for a long time," said outgoing coach Akram.

"Sammy has served us as a leader, and people in Pakistan all love him. He's very close to my heart and very close to Zalmi family.

"It took me a bit of persuading to come to this decision, but Darren Sammy will be the new head coach of Peshawar Zalmi from today for the next two years."