RCB appoints Mike Hesson as cricket operations director

BENGALURU: Former Kings XI Punjab coach Mike Hesson has been appointed as director Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Simon Katich joins Hesson as head coach. The franchise has decided to part ways with Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra.

As the director of cricket operations, Hesson will be responsible for the overall RCB cricket operations including defining policy, strategy, programs, scouting, performance management and bringing in best practices throughout all aspects of the RCB's cricketing pathway.

He will work closely with the players and the coaching team and will be a part of RCB management team. This is a new position created within the franchise. Mike Hesson brings with him strong cricketing experience of being head coach & mentor to the New Zealand team with a focus on T20 and has earned an international reputation as a leader who achieves results without sacrificing on culture.

Speaking on the appointment, RCB chairman Sanjeev Churiwala said: "RCB's purpose is to be the most trusted, respected and best performing T20 Franchise and hence our constant endeavour is to create a culture of excellence and high performance for every member of the team."