Reports - Andy Flower roped in as Lucknow head coach

Former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower is likely to coach the Lucknow-based franchise in the 2022 edition of the Indian T20 League (ITL). The T20 tournament is set for a major overhaul with the addition of two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad, in the next season.

Flower, who comes in with a tremendous amount of coaching experience, has been approached by Lucknow. The former Zimbabwe player was the coach alongside Anil Kumble for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two seasons. However, he stepped down from the role after the previous edition.

If reports are to be believed, then Flower and Daniel Vettori were in contention to bag the role for the Lucknow team. Renowned journalist K Shriniwas Rao confirmed Flower's appointment. “Andy Flower will coach Lucknow. We’ll know more about Ahmedabad next week,” he tweeted on Thursday (December 16).

Flower was the coach of the England team for more than a decade. Under his leadership, the Three Lions went on to become a formidable side in red-ball cricket. England managed to dominate in Test cricket from 2010-2013. Flower also managed to form a good partnership with former captain Andrew Strauss. Looking at his phenomenal record with England, Lucknow owners were inclined towards him than Vettori.

Reports also state that KL Rahul is likely to lead the Lucknow team. Rahul’s good tuning with Flower is also being seen as one of the primary reasons for Lucknow getting Flower on board. Punjab did not retain Rahul ahead of the mega auctions. The 29-year-old is likely to play for the Lucknow franchise in next season. Apart from Rahul, reports of Rashid Khan playing for Lucknow are also doing the rounds.