Andy Flower likely to join Lucknow IPL franchise as coach
What's the story
Former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower is being touted as the frontrunner for the head coach position of the newly inducted Indian Premier League (IPL) team Lucknow. For the unversed, India's T20 domestic tournament has been expanded as two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad - are set to join the marquee event during the 15th edition of the cash-rich league.
Context
Why does it matter?
IPL is counted as the most lucrative cricket tournament in the world and the introduction of two new teams is going to further enhance the popularity and competitiveness of the league. So, it's only fair, that the two new franchisees should come to the battlefield fully prepared and in Flower, Lucknow will have a world-class coach in their rank.
Statement
Lucknow team official on rumors
A team official of the new franchise said talks are being held with several candidates. "We have been hearing a lot of names. Only today someone wrote that Gary Kirsten is also becoming the coach. We are in talks with a few, but unless someone signs for us, we cannot confirm," a team official told PTI when asked about the speculations surrounding Flower's appointment.
PBKS
Flower has left Punjab Kings Job
Flower was earlier associated with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) franchise as their assistant coach. However, he has left the said job and it should not come as a surprise if he decides to join a new team as their chief coach. Flower signed for PBKS in 2020 and worked with their head coach Anil Kumble for two years.
Experience
Flower's credentials as a coach
Flower joined the England cricket team in 2009 as Peter Moores' assistant. Later, following Moores' falling with Kevin Pietersen, he was appointed as interim coach. He was later appointed as England team's director and it was under his guidance when the English team won the 2010 ICC T20 Championship in West Indies.
Candidates
Other names for the job
Other than Flower, former South African cricketer turned coach Gary Kirsten is also in the race to become Lucknow's head coach. The names of veteran Indian seamer Ashish Nehra and former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori are also in the mix to join the team.