Brendon McCullum named head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders

The 37-year-old former New Zealand international, who had two stints with the IPL franchise as a player, replaces Jacques Kallis after the South African stepped down last month

Brendon McCullum has been appointed the new head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, the franchise announced on Thursday.

The 37-year-old, who played for the IPL side between 2008 and 2010 and then again between 2012 and 2013, has replaced former South Africa allrounder Jacques Kallis in the position.

Former New Zealand captain McCullum, who is also set to take charge of Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders, the other team owned by the same group, retired from all formats of the game earlier this month after the Global T20 Canada league.

Speaking about his appointment, McCullum said: "It's a great honour to take on this responsibility. 

📣 The announcement you all have been waiting for! 🤩

Put your hands together and welcome @Bazmccullum, our new Head Coach 💜#WelcomeBackBaz #KorboLorboJeetbo pic.twitter.com/tDYz1V9IGz

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 15, 2019

"The Knight Rider franchises in the IPL& CPL have become iconic and have set the standard in franchise cricket. I along with the support staff will be looking to build on the successes both franchises have enjoyed."

Kolkata announced last month that they had parted ways with McCullum's predecessor Kallis, as well as Simon Katich, the assistant coach who was also the head coach at Trinbago.

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