Lance Klusener has announced his decision to step down as the head coach of the Afghanistan men’s cricket team. The latest development comes weeks after the conclusion of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, where the Taliban ruled Afghanistan crashed out from the group stage Super 12s itself.
Soon after the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Afghanistan head coach South Africa’s Lance Klusener has decided to step down as the head coach of the Afghanistan men’s cricket team. One of the finest all-rounders to have played limited-overs cricket ever, the South African all-rounder was appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan for a two-year period.
Lance Klusener Decided Not To Extend His Contract As Afghanistan’s Head Coach
Lance Klusener played 171 ODIs, 49 Test matches, 197 first-class, and 324 List A matches. He has scored 3576 in ODI, 9521 in first-class cricket, and 6648 in List A matches. After retiring from cricket, he decided to become a coach and got the training. At present, he is the level 4 certified coach. In a statement, he said he would not be extending his contract, which will come to an end on December 31, 2021.
“I, Lance Klusener, has decided not to extend my contract as the head coach of the Afghanistan men’s cricket team which finishes on 31st December 2021. Having spent two years with the team, I will take away some memorable moments with the team,” Klusener said in a statement.
Widely considered one of the best all-rounders of his era, Lance Klusener played 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for South Africa over his international career. However, he is notoriously remembered for not being able to take South Africa over the line in the 1999 World Cup semi-final match against Australia, which ended in a tie.
Lance Klusener Replaced Phil Simmons As Afghanistan Coach On 2019
Lance Klusener added that he was looking forward to his coaching career.
“As I walk away from Afghanistan cricket team and its cricketing structure, I look forward to the next stage in my coaching career and the opportunities it bring,” the statement added.
“I am extremely excited and honored to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talents in world cricket,” Klusener had said after his appointment. “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. “
Lance Klusener has previously worked as the batting coach of Zimbabwe and South Africa, and head coach of the South Africa domestic side Dolphins, as well as bowling coach of Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians. In T20 World Cup 2021, Afghanistan finished fourth with two wins from five matches.