RCB coaching staff with Virat Kohli (L) & Brendon McCullum (Source: AFP Photos)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is planning to strike a deal with the reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in order to secure Brendon McCullum replacement. However, there should be one major condition that could only allow the deal to happen in reality.
RCB are currently two-time IPL champions, with both coming in consecutive years in 2025 and 2026. No wonder the backroom staff who made it happen after an 18-year-long trophy drought would be in demand in the market.
With the ECB having no choice but to sack Brendon McCullum after consistent failures in recent times in Test cricket, a well-known former backroom staff member who had previously worked with them for a long time but is currently associated with RCB emerges as the favourite to sign a contract with them.
RCB's Andy Flower Linked To Become Brendon McCullum Replacement
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, the ECB turned to Andy Flower, who became RCB head coach in August 2023, to confirm Brendon McCullum replacement. Flower, who was England’s assistant coach in 2007 before becoming head coach in 2009, lost his job there in 2014.
Since then, he has been a very popular figure in T20 franchise leagues, working with Trent Rockets, London Spirit, Multan Sultans, St. Lucia Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), barring the RCB role.
However, even if Flower becomes England’s head coach for Test cricket, a position which is currently open, he won’t lose his job at RCB. He will continue to be there whenever the IPL season is on, as hinted by Richard Gould, the ECB's chief executive.
"We need to be progressive in these issues," Gould said, as ESPNCricinfo reported. "We've got players trying to balance between county, franchise, international cricket. It's a really busy calendar. We may well have to do the same with our coaching staff and supporting staff; we already do, to an extent. But I think that is something that we will have to have a look at.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Top Choice To Replace McCullum As England Coach
"One of the difficulties is the IPL dates are not a fixed thing, and there maybe will be some compromises that need to be made along the way. But the important thing is that we've got the best individuals that offer the best fit and we get them into those positions. It is something that we would certainly consider," he added.
ECB To Name England New Test Captain After Head Coach Appointment
With Ben Stokes no longer playing international cricket, Harry Brook emerged as the clear favourite to become their next Test captain. Now, with Brook already England’s captain in ODIs and T20Is, Gould later said that giving him the Test captaincy would be "too much for an individual".
Nevertheless, no formal announcement will be made until they confirm Brendon McCullum replacement. The list includes another popular figure, Andrew Flintoff, who has been serving as England Lions head coach and is seeking a promotion.
Also Read: Indian Head Coaches Who Were Sacked By BCCI Unceremoniously
