Monty Desai named Canada head coach

With the Division II qualifiers scheduled to be held in Namibia next month, the Canada team is undergoing intense training in Sri Lanka to get acclimitised to the conditions.

A well-travelled coach, Desai was previously associated with Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League.

Monty Desai has been named the head coach of Canada for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cricket League Division II qualifiers.

Desai, who was the coach of Andhra in the just-concluded domestic season, is presently in Sri Lanka with the Canada team.

With the Division II qualifiers scheduled to be held in Namibia next month, the Canada team is undergoing intense training in Sri Lanka to get acclimitised to the conditions.

Cricket Canada president, Ranjit Saini, said: "Monty is a great addition to any team and Cricket Canada will benefit from the rich experience he brings to the table. Monty’s expertise would be the much needed strategic support to the senior men’s team as Cricket Canada embarks on a hectic schedule this month onwards."

Andhra Cricket Association secretary C.H. Arun Kumar told this publication that the association has relieved Desai. "Our season is over, so he can take up any other assignments," Arun Kumar said, adding that the association hasn't decided whether it will continue with Desai the next season.

A well-travelled coach, Desai was previously associated with Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League. He was also the batting coach of Afghanistan.