Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Heat on Friday confirmed coach Darren Lehmann had been given the all clear to coach Kings XI Punjab in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Lehmann, who will be in charge of the Bulls for their must-win one-day cup match against Western Australia on Saturday at the Gabba and the Sheffield Shield game starting on Monday, will join Kings XI for the IPL starting in April.
For the Big Bash League-winning coach, it will be his second mentoring stint in the IPL after playing for Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural year and taking the Deccan Chargers to the 2009 title.
With the Chargers defunct and replaced by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lehmann will take over the coaching reins of Kings XI from former Australia teammate Adam Gilchrist, who will remain as captain.
Lehmann said he was excited about working with the Punjab franchise and Gilchrist.
“They are a highly professional and well-run outfit and Gilly is a legend, of course, so I’m looking forward to getting back to India again,” he said.
“I’m grateful that Queensland Cricket and the Heat have given me the opportunity again to further myself as a coach.
“You are exposed to some of the best players in the world there and it can only improve my coaching knowledge, especially with the Heat qualifying for the Champions League later this year.”
Brisbane Heat general manager Andrew Blucher said Lehmann had done a great job for the Heat and the Bulls since joining Queensland Cricket.
“… We are happy for him to continue to enhance his coaching career. The fact he will be available to head to the Champions League with the Heat later this year was an important element for everyone and we’re pleased with how things have worked out,” Blucher said.
Lehmann said Kings XI Punjab were comfortable with that arrangement.
“I must thank Kings XI for the way they handled negotiations and I know the franchise will be in good hands in the event we qualify for the Champions League as one of the IPL entrants. With Gilly there, and an outstanding support staff, they are very well covered.
Lehmann will also link with Queensland and Heat fast bowler Ryan Harris at Kings XI after the Australian pace bowler was re-contracted during the year.
