Afghanistan appoints Lalchand as head cricket coach

NEW DELHI (SW): The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has named former India batsman Lalchand Rajput as the new head coach of their national team for the forthcoming trip of Europe.

According to ACB chief executive Shafiqullah Stanikzai, Rajput was chosen ahead of former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf, former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs and former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore. The three of them had applied through their agents while Rajput's name was recommended by the BCCI, Cricinfo has noted.

According to a statement issued by the ACB, Sri Lankan Chaminda Vas and Indian Mohammad Kaif were also under consideration.

Rajput was manager of the Indian team when they won the inaugural World T20 in 2007 – and administrative work – following his retirement after a 17-year playing career, he served as joint honourary secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association – had given him an edge.

Rajput is in line for a two-year contract, but that decision would be finalised after the upcoming tour of Europe. Afghanistan play seven ODIs against Scotland and Ireland, and an Intercontinental Cup match against Netherlands.

In his remarks, Rajput told Indian press that he has new plans and strategies to lift the Afghan squad to new heights of success. He expressed optimism that the plan would work and the Afghan cricketers would perform up to the mark. The national team would depart for Europe from India on June 27 to play against Scotland, Ireland and Netherland.

ENDS