Kings XI Punjab coach Darren Lehmann will not participate in IPL, says Cricket Australia

Darren Lehmann, Coach of Kings XI Punjab.

Darren Lehmann, the Kings XI Punjab coach will have to fulfil his contractual obligations with Cricket Australia (CA) before he can return to the IPL. In an official statement to the media, CA confirmed the same.

“In Darren’s role as Australian coach, he will not participate in the IPL,” a CA spokesman told the Pune Mirror.

This comes as a blow to the Preity Zinta led IPL franchise considering the pedigree of the South Australian, who is coming off a convincing 5-0 thrashing of England in the Ashes. The 43-year old was also instrumental in the IPL winning seasons of both Rajasthan Royals and Deccan Chargers.

Although the coach has a binding contract with Kings XI Punjab, he will first have to see out the remainder of his contract with his country’s cricket board. The Punjab team have confirmed the same.

“He does not have the permission, so we can’t avail his services. The team is not looking for a replacement. A group of support staff will handle the side.” a top Kings XI Punjab official said.

The official went on to say that Indian bowling coach Joe Dawes and former Indian batsman and the club’s assistant coach Sanjay bangar will handle the reins from here-on in.

“Dawes and Bangar will take care of the team,” he said.

The two will also have to gear up for the upcoming IPL auction, where they will now play a pivotal role in identifying talent and marking down targets as the Kings XI look to win their maiden championship.