Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been appointed Paarl Royals head coach ahead of next year’s SA20.
Bond has succeeded former Paarl Royals head coach JP Duminy, who has joined the Proteas’ coaching staff.
Bond has previously worked with the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League – and England and New Zealand in international cricket.
“It is a new challenge for me personally to be heading to the SA20, but what gives me the belief is the strong squad we have been able to assemble for the upcoming season,” said Bond.
“We have so much experience and immense potential in our ranks, which makes me excited to join the group in January and work towards achieving our target of lifting the trophy.”
The Royals ended the inaugural edition of the SA20 in 2023 in fourth position. They won four and lost five matches.
Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara added: “The inaugural season provided us with a lot of learnings after our semi-final finish, and we believe that his experience, commitment and vision align well with our goals for the upcoming season.”
Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the reigning SA20 champions. They beat the Pretoria Capitals in last year’s final.
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