New Zealand have allowed assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram to work in the Pakistan Super League even as the team prepares for its tour of Bangladesh in April.
The two coaches will take up roles with Islamabad United during the tournament. New Zealand Cricket believes the move will help them gain more experience in franchise cricket. The board also hopes they will return with new ideas that could help the Black Caps in the future.
New Zealand will play a five match T20I series against South Africa from March 15 to 25. After that, the team will travel to Bangladesh in April for three ODIs and three T20Is. The full schedule for the Bangladesh series has not yet been announced.
The Pakistan Super League will start on March 26 and end on May 3.
Ronchi, the New Zealand batting coach, has been named head coach of Islamabad United. The former New Zealand wicketkeeper batter also played three seasons for the same franchise during his playing career.
Oram, who works as New Zealand’s bowling coach, has also joined the Islamabad United coaching group. The former pace bowling all rounder will serve as Ronchi’s assistant.
During their absence, Wellington coach Jono Basset-Graham and NZC network coach Graeme Aldridge will assist New Zealand head coach Rob Walter in the series against South Africa.
For the Bangladesh tour in April, Canterbury coach Brendon Donkers will join the coaching group.
