In our latest PakPassion Exclusive, Saj sits with Catherine Dalton, Multan Sultans’ pace bowling coach, and ECB Level 3 qualified mentor, as she opens up about her groundbreaking journey in Pakistan cricket. From coaching men’s PSL stars to advocating for women’s cricket and dissecting Pakistan’s fast-bowling talent, Dalton shares insights into her PSL 10 ambitions, Multan’s near-misses, and her vision for Pakistan’s cricketing future.

By Saj Sadiq (Apr 8, 2025)

In our latest PakPassion Exclusive, Saj sits with Catherine Dalton, Multan Sultans’ pace bowling coach and ECB Level 3 qualified mentor, as she opens up about her groundbreaking journey in Pakistan cricket. From coaching men’s PSL stars to advocating for women’s cricket and dissecting Pakistan’s fast-bowling talent, Dalton shares insights into her PSL 10 ambitions, Multan’s near-misses, and her vision for Pakistan’s cricketing future.

Key topics include:

• "We just didn’t manage to get over the line in that final": Dalton reflects on Multan Sultans' narrow loss in the PSL 2024 final against Islamabad United, marking their third consecutive heartbreak in finals. Despite strong performances, including Usman Khan's half-century, the team fell short in a nail-biting finish.
• "I think we’re the best team in the tournament": Her confidence stems from Multan's consistent dominance, reaching four straight PSL finals and showcasing standout players like Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan. Their resilience and depth make them formidable contenders.
• "There’s no challenge in Pakistan. It’s a great place to be": Dalton addresses stereotypes about coaching in Pakistan, emphasizing the welcoming environment and opportunities for growth. Her historic appointment as Multan's fast-bowling coach symbolizes progress in breaking gender barriers.
• "He’s the hardest working fast bowler I’ve ever met": Dalton praises Muhammad Ali, whose dedication and performance have been instrumental for Multan. His key wickets in crucial matches underscore his potential.
• "I’d love to see a women’s PSL": Dalton advocates for a groundbreaking initiative to establish a women's PSL, aiming to inspire female cricketers and normalize women coaching men's teams, as seen through her own journey.
• "This could be the best standards PSL we’ve seen": PSL 10 promises heightened competition with star-studded squads and improved performances, potentially setting new benchmarks for quality cricket.
• "The talent is there, all the raw ingredients are there": Dalton highlights Pakistan's rich cricketing potential, pointing to untapped resources that could elevate the sport further with proper development and opportunities.