Lance Klusener to step down as Afghanistan Cricket coach

Afghanistan head coach Lance Klusener has decided to step down as the head coach of the Afghanistan men's cricket team. Meanwhile, one of the finest all-rounders to have played cricket, Klusener was appointed as the head coach of Afghanistan for a two-year period. In a statement, Klusener said he would not be extending his contract which will come to an end on December 31, 2021.

"I, Lance Klusener, have decided not to extend my contract. as the head coach of the Afghanistan men's cricket team which finishes on 31st December 2021. Having spent two years with the team. I will take away some memorable moments with the team," Klusener said in a statement.

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Klusener added that he was looking forward to his coaching career. However, Klusener took over as Afghanistan's head coach on September 27, 2019, replacing Phil Simmons. 

What did Afghanistan Cricket coach Lance Klusener said in a statement :

"As I walk away from Afghanistan cricket team and its cricketing structure, I look forward to the next stage in my coaching career and the opportunities it brings," the statement added.

"I am extremely excited and honored to be given the opportunity to work with some of the best talents in world cricket," Klusener had said after his appointment. "Everyone knows the fearless brand of cricket Afghanistan plays. I am very confident that with some hard work we can become one of the best sides in the world. 

Klusener has previously worked as the batting coach of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Moreover, he has also worked as head coach of the South Africa domestic side Dolphins. He was also a bowling coach of the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians.

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Afghanistan had a good run under Klusener. They had won one Test, three ODIs, and nine T20Is. During his first series as a coach, Afghanistan had got better of West Indies 2-1 in the T20I series in India. However, in T20 World Cup 2021, Afghanistan finished fourth with two wins from five matches. Klusener had played 49 Tests 171 ODIs for South Africa from 1996 to 2004.