Former South Africa wicketkeeper batter Mark Boucher has been appointed Mumbai Indians' head coach for the upcoming IPL season, the franchise announced on Friday.
The 45-year-old replaces former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who has been elevated to the role of global head of performance by the franchise.
Boucher, who is currently the head coach of the South Africa men's national team, had earlier this week announced he will be stepping down from the role after the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed as Head Coach of MI. Their history and achievements as a franchise clearly put them up there as one of the most successful sporting franchises in all of world sport," Boucher said in a media release.
"I look forward to the challenge and respect the need for results. It's a strong unit with great leadership and players. I look forward to adding value to this dynamic unit,” he added.
Boucher has had a long and illustrious career and holds the record for the most Test dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
Post-retirement he took over as coach for Titans, a top-level cricket franchise in South Africa, and led them to five domestic titles.
In 2019, he was appointed as the head coach of South Africa where he crafted 11 Test wins, 12 in ODIs and 23 T20I victories.
Ppunjab kings appoint Bayliss
IPL side Punjab Kings on Friday appointed Trevor Bayliss as the team's new head coach ahead of the next season of the franchise-based T20 tournament.
Bayliss will replace Anil Kumble after the former India cricketer's contract was not renewed by Punjab Kings following a poor string of performances by the side under his guidance.
"I'm honoured to be given the head coach's role with the Punjab Kings. A foundation franchise with an appetite for success. I look forward to working with a talented squad of players determined to compete for silverware," Bayliss said in a statement issued by the franchise.
Bayliss will bring in his experience of winning the 2019 50 over World Cup with England, two IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 and 2014 besides a BBL title with the Sydney Sixers.
Bayliss was also the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2020 and 2021 IPL seasons.