Reports – Andy Flower roped in as Lucknow head coach for Indian T20 League 2022

Former England coach Andy Flower has reportedly been locked in as the head coach of the Lucknow-based franchise for the 2022 edition of the Indian T20 League (IPL). The mega event is set to expand with the addition of the two new teams – Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

Flower was earlier associated with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the past two seasons. The rumours of the former Zimbabwe player associating with Lucknow were doing rounds for a while. It was also reported that he was competing with former Royal Challengers Bangalore coach Daniel Vettori for the position of head coach.

However, journalist K Shriniwas Rao has given confirmation that Flower has been zeroed on for the position. “Andy Flower will coach Lucknow. We’ll know more about Ahmedabad next week,” he tweeted on Thursday (December 16). The former Zimbabwe player has a good track record as head coach.

Andy Flower will coach Lucknow. We'll know more about Ahmedabad next week.

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) December 16, 2021

Besides getting Flower, the Lucknow team is likely to acquire the services of KL Rahul and Rashid Khan. Ahead of the retention closing window, Punjab and Hyderabad did not retain Rahul and Rashid respectively. Speculations were rife that the duo will turn out for Lucknow.

However, a report also stated that Punjab and Hyderabad have lodged a verbal complaint against Lucknow for approaching KL Rahul and Rashid Khan. The BCCI also said it will look into the matter. There is no official update on the matter as of it.

Meanwhile, Lucknow and Ahmedabad can now pick a maximum of three players from the list of non-retained players from eight existing teams.