Lance Klusener returns to South Africa amid Afghanistan conflict

File image: Lance KlusenerFile image: Lance Klusener.

Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener has returned to South Africa, as Afghanistan navigate political turmoil amid the Taliban’s takeover.

Klusener was named Afghanistan’s head coach in 2019 and was preparing for a series against Pakistan, which was subsequently cancelled, when the Taliban insurgency reoccurred this month.

I left a few days before ‘everyone’ arrived in Kabul. I’ve been there numerous times. They’re such lovely, lovely people. Everyone in Afghanistan simply wants peace,” Klusener was quoted as saying by IOL.

“It’s been a great experience for me, working with so many talented players. It’s unfortunate what has happened, and it has created uncertainty, but hopefully, once things settle down a little bit, we can get some better direction.”

Afghanistan have been pooled with India, Pakistan, New Zealand and two qualifying teams for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman later this year, when Klusener will resume working with the team.

“We could look at having a good, long camp in the UAE for a few weeks before the tournament,” added Klusener.

“But we’ll have to wait on the board and what happens from them. We are missing out on match time, which is really frustrating.”

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