Rajshahi Kings replace Vettori with South African coach
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||Desk Report||
Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener has been roped in as head coach by Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Rajshahi Kings for the upcoming season.
Klusener has replaced Daniel Vettori, who deemed himself unavailable for the tournament after its dates were pushed back to the early part of 2019. The former New Zealand bowler will perform the head coach role for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, which will run from December 19, 2018 to February 17, 2019.
“Vettori signed the contract with Rajshahi Kings on the condition that he would not be available if the timing of the BPL coincided with Big Bash League, as his involvement with his Big Bash team was with a long-term contract,” said Rajshahi Kings CEO Tahmeed Huq.
Klusener also joined Delhi’s Ranji Trophy team on September 3 as consultant coach and will work with the side in the Vijay Hazare trophy and the Deodhar Trophy in September, and in the domestic T20 tournament in February next year.
The 47-year-old has previously worked with Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians in 2011, before serving as head coach for South African domestic side Dolphins for four years. He was also the batting coach of Zimbabwe in 2016. He has worked with the Proteas as well.
Klusener turned down the Bangladesh's bowling coach role in 2010, which was subssequently filled by Champaka Ramanayeke.
In his eight-year-long international career, Klusener played a total of 220 matches and bagged the Player of the Tournament award at the ICC World Cup in 1999.
