Cricket South Africa has appointed renowned domestic coach and former international player Imraan Khan as their batting lead effective Monday, August 5. Initially named as a temporary replacement for Ashwell Prince for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, Khan will now hold the position permanently.
Khan, a left-handed batter who played one Test for South Africa in 2009, has been the long-time coach of the Dolphins provincial team. Under his leadership, the Dolphins secured two four-day series titles, a shared ODI cup, and reached three CSA T20 tournament finals.
Khan expressed his gratitude for the new role, stating, “I want to thank the KZN Cricket Union for all their support,” Imraan said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve loved starting my coaching career at the union that has been my home for many seasons. This is an exciting step in my path as a coach, but Kingsmead will always be home, and I will miss everyone here.”
Dolphins CEO Heinrich also extended his well wishes, saying, “We say that we want to create Proteas from a playing perspective, but the same rings true for coaches,” Strydom said in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited for the next chapter for Immy and want to thank him for his incredible service to KZN Cricket. We wish him all the very best for his new role with Cricket South Africa.”
During his 15-year playing career with the Dolphins, Khan amassed 9,367 runs in 161 first-class matches at an average of 36.58, with 20 centuries. He also played 121 List-A games and 51 T20s.
For his international coaching debut, South Africa will tour the West Indies for two Tests: August 7-11 in Port of Spain and August 15-19 in Providence.
