FORMER Zimbabwe cricket captain Andy Flower has been hired as the head coach of UAE (United Arab Emirates) International League T20 (ILT20) team Gulf Giants whose name was announced on Tuesday (12).
The team is owned and managed by the Adani Group. The inaugural season of the ILT20 will take place between January and February 2023. Flower, arguably Zimbabwe's greatest ever cricketer, brings three decades of cricketing experience into the side. The 2010 T20 World Cup-winning coach of England was also the head coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants until recently.
Flower has previously coached the national teams of England and Afghanistan, as well as franchises such as Punjab Kings (IPL), Maratha Arabians (Abu Dhabi T10), Multan Sultans (PSL), St Lucia Kings (CPL) and Delhi Bulls (Abu Dhabi T10).
"It's exciting to be a part of any of the big franchise tournaments, and the ILT20 has big plans to be a major franchise tournament. As leaders, our job is to serve the players as best we can, and this principle is very important to me," said Flower.
Sachin Tendulkar of India celebrates his 50th Test century during day 4 of the 1st Test match between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park on December 19, 2010 in Centurion, South Africa. Photo by Duif du Toit / Gallo Images/Getty Images
Cheteshwar Pujara of India celebrates after reaching his century during day one of the Fourth Test match in the series between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 03, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images