Colombo Kings Appoint Herschelle Gibbs As Head Coach For LPL After He Arrives In Sri Lanka As Commentator

Colombo Kings have roped in former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs as their head coach for the upcoming inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League. The Colombo-based franchise announced the news on Thursday, just a week before the start of the tournament.

Former Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore was to coach Colombo Kings. However, he pulled out of the competition due to personal reasons. Later, Whatmore was replaced by former England fast bowler Kabir Ali but the latter tested positive for Covid-19 and subsequently withdrew from the league.

And on Thursday, they appointed Herschelle Gibbs as their new head coach. The former cricketer was in Sri Lanka for commentary duties before Colombo Kings gave him the coaching offer. Along with Herschelle Gibbs, they have also roped in former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath as their assistant coach,

Meet our new #KingsBrainsTrust @hershybru @HerathRSL #TheKingdom #ColomboKings #LPLT20 pic.twitter.com/0xVeDH5yPi

— Colombo Kings (@ColomboKings) November 19, 2020

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1328287439153209344

Meanwhile, LPL has suffered several setbacks even before the start. Several high-profile names have pulled out of the competition. The likes of Chris Gayle, Lasith Malina, Liam Plunkett, Mohammad Hafeez, Faf du Plessis are some of the big names who have pulled out of the tournament

A total of five franchisee teams, named after Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Dambulla and Jaffna will compete in 23 matches. Colombo will take on Kandy in the opening match of LPL at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on November 26. Every day there will be doubleheaders till the semi-finals on December 13 and 14. The final will be played on December 16.

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