Lucknow based franchise rope in Andy Flower as head coach

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower has been roped in as the head coach of the Lucknow franchise for the Indian T20 League 2022. Reports of Flower becoming the head coach were doing rounds for a while and the franchise has now officially confirmed the same after taking approval from the BCCI. The board has barred the franchises to disclose any new signings due to the uncertainty over the second new franchise. While CVC owned Ahmedabad franchise is likely to be the second team, BCCI have not officially given them a green signal.

Meanwhile, Flower's appointment is seen as a confirmation for the hiring of KL Rahul as captain of the Lucknow team. Speculations are rife that Rahul will lead the team in the 2022 season of the Indian T20 League. Even Punjab didn't retain KL Rahul before the mega auction. Flower's appointment is a big hint that Rahul will be playing for Lucknow in the next season. Both Rahul and Flower has worked together for Punjab in the last two seasons.

"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,” Cricbuzz Quoted owner of Lucknow franchise, Sanjiv Goenka

“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.”