Former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower has been roped in as the head coach of the Lucknow franchise owned by the RPSG Group. It is also expected that KL Rahul is likely t join the franchise as the skipper of the side in IPL 2022. Both Flower and KL Rahul have parted ways with Punjab Kings after IPL 2021.

Andy Flower was the front runner to become the head coach of the franchise via various media reports and it has turned out the same way. He has previously donned coaching role with the England national cricket team and St Lucia Kings in the CPL which is jointly owned by the PNKS owners.

When contacted to comment on speculation over head coach appointment, a team official told PTI: “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,” the official told PTI.

Meanwhile, Andy Flower reacted to his appointment as the head coach of the franchise and said he is excited for the new role.

Incredibly Excited To Be joining Lucknow Franchise: Andy Flower

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the new Lucknow franchise and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” Flower said. “Since my very first tour to India in 1993, I have always loved touring, playing and coaching in India. The passion for cricket in India is unrivalled and it is a real privilege to lead an IPL franchise and I am looking forward to working closely with Dr Goenka and the Lucknow team. I will relish the challenge to build something meaningful and successful with the Lucknow franchise, I am looking forward to meeting the management and staff when I visit Uttar Pradesh in the New Year” Flower said.

We Respect His Professionalism: Sanjeev Goenka On Andy Flower

Lucknow owner Sanjiv Goenka also reacted to Flower’s appointment saying  “As a player and a coach Andy has left an indelible mark in the history of cricket. We respect his professionalism and hope he will work with our vision and add value to our team.”

The Goenka-led RP-SG Group had shelled out Rs 7090 crore to own the Lucknow franchise.

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