Former all-rounder of the South African team Lance Klusener has been appointed the new head coach of the Afghanistan cricket team. The same was confirmed by ICC on Friday. Klusener is expected to replace Phil Simmons whose coaching assignment with the national team ended with a disappointing last-place finish in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
“I am extremely excited and honored to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talents in world cricket,” Klusener was quoted as saying by the official website of ICC.
“Everyone knows the fearless brand of cricket Afghanistan play. I am very confident that with some hard work we can become one of the best sides in the world,” he added.
“Lance Klusener is a renowned name in the cricketing world. It will be great to see our players benefit from his vast experience both as a player and a coach.” CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board Lutfullah Stanikzai was quoted as saying by IANS.
Klusener already has rich coaching experience. He has served as batting coach of Zimbabwe and South Africa prior to this and was engaged in a coaching stint with South African domestic team Dolphins. He served as the bowling coach of the Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians.
“I am really looking forward to working with the Afghanistan team and helping them take their cricket to the next level,” he said.