Lance Klusener named Afghanistan head coach

The former South Africa all-rounder will take over before Afghanistan’s home series against the West Indies in November, 2019.

Lance Klusener is a Level-4 certified coach and has been associated with the cricket teams of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Lance Klusener, the former South Africa all-rounder, has been named the head coach of Afghanistan cricket team.

Klusener, who has featured in 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for South Africa between 1996 and 2004, was the assistant batting coach for the South Africa T20I side in the recently-concluded series against India. The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Friday confirmed that it had received 50 applications, but decided to hand over the big responsibility to Klusener, who is a Level-4 certified coach and has previously been associated with the national cricket teams of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“Lance 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 as a coach,” ACB CEO, Lutfullah Stanikzai, said.

Klusener will take over before Afghanistan’s home series against the West Indies in November. “Everyone knows the fearless brand of cricket Afghanistan plays. I am very confident that with some hard work, we can become one of the best sides in the world,” Klusener said.

“I am really looking forward to working with the Afghanistan team and helping them take their cricket to the next level.”

Afghanistan parted ways with its coach Phil Simmons in July, after a dismal World Cup outing. After Simmons’ exit, Andy Moles served as the team’s interim head coach during the recent tour to Bangladesh.