Lance Klusener Named Afghanistan's Head Coach

Klusener, who is a level 4 certified coach, has served as bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACG) named former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener as Afghanistan cricket team's new head coach. The 48-year-old Klusener comes as a replacement of former head coach Phil Simmons. ACB picked Klusener among more than 50 applicants, who had submitted their names after the board invited applications for the head coach position. Afghanistan's series against West Indies in November will be Klusener's first assignment. "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." Lutfullah Stanikzai, ACB's CEO, said on Friday (September 27). "I am extremely excited and honored to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talent in world cricket," said Klusener of his appointment. "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. I am really looking forward to working with the Afghanistan team and helping them take their cricket to the next level." Klusener, who is a level 4 certified coach, has served as bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. His most recent assignment was with South Africa's T20 side as their batting coach. Afghanistan cricket team marked their presence in the cricketing world after attaining a historic maiden win against Bangladesh in the one-off Test. After that, the final of tri-nation T20I tournament between Bangladesh and Afghanistan was called off without a ball-being bowled due to rain and both the teams shared the trophy.