Shane Bond Appointed As Paarl Royals Head Coach For SA20 2024

image-lpjnfx6nShane Bond oversaw Mumbai Indians bowling between IPL 2015 and IPL 2023 (AP)

Shane Bond, who was recently appointed as the bowling coach and assistant coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals, has now been roped by Paarl Royals for the 2024 edition of SA20. The former New Zealand fast bowler will serve as the head coach of the camp, replacing outbound JP Duminy.

Shane Bond expands association with Rajasthan Royals

Barely a month after joining Rajasthan Royals, Shane Bond was roped in by the team’s sister franchise Paarl Royals for SA20 2024 season.

Bond himself expressed his excitement of joining the SA20 franchise, and claimed that he has confidence over the group’s experience and potential for lifting the title next year. He said:

“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. 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.”

Much like Rajasthan Royals, Shane Bond will be assisted by Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara in SA20.

The legendary fast bowler carries a legion of T20 coaching experience, considering he previously helmed Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder in Australia-based Big Bash Leagues.

Moreover, Bond also served the Mumbai Indians camp in IPL for nine seasons from 2015 up until the tournament’s latest chapter earlier this year. During his tenure as their bowling coach, the Rohit Sharma-led side lifted the coveted IPL trophy four times, and the former New Zealander also oversaw the emergence of modern-day pace legend Jasprit Bumrah.

The SA20 2024 season, meanwhile, is slated to commence on January 10 in Gqeberha. The Paarl Royals will have their campaign kicked-off two days later with a home game against Pretoria Capitals.