Allan Donald, one of the most successful pace bowlers of all time, has revealed he’s hopeful of landing a coaching role at the new Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kochi ahead of the 2011 campaign.
South Africa’s former record wicket taker, with 330 Test wickets, said when probed about his next move, “I’m very, very hopeful that I could probably get involved with one of the new franchises in the IPL.
“I know that the Sahara franchise (Sahara Pune Warriors) has already announced their coach and assistant coach. I think they are still deciding whether they want a bowling consultant or not, but hopefully with Rendezvous (Sports World) which is the Kochi franchise. Hopefully, we’re just waiting to see how they make up their mind and how they have been advised,” said Donald.
The former Warwickshire coach and England bowling consultant admitted he hated the commentary box, “I love being out there doing what I love doing”.
Speaking of the T20 format and its allure, Donald said, “It’s gone from hit and giggle to so professional. It’s global, it’s massive; it’s just enormous in terms of revenue. I’ve been involved with England and Warwickshire and the crowds that turn up to watch those domestic games are just unbelievable”.
Donald added, “Speaking to some of the coaches, backroom staff and some of the players (in the IPL) say there’s more pressure in the IPL than there is actually playing for their countries and I can believe that. I can see the pressure on the IPL being absolutely stupendous from the owner’s demands, to the coaches onto their players to produce the goods”.
