Kolkata Knight Riders have parted ways with head coach Jacques Kallis and assistant coach Simon Katich, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise announced on Sunday. The IPL team is yet to announce any replacement but are expected to make wholesome changes to their coaching and support staff next season. IPL 2019: Amit Mishra Becomes 2nd Player to Get Out for Obstructing the Field in IPL History.

“After nine fantastic years with KKR since 2011, as a player, mentor and Head Coach, it’s time to explore new opportunities,” said Kallis. “I would to like to thank the owners, management and fellow players for many happy memories,” added the former South African. Kallis brought an end to his four-year association with the Kolkata based franchise in a head coach’s role.

Kallis was initially signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 and played an instrumental part in guiding the franchise to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 before being appointed the head coach in 2015. Katich was also brought in as a batting coach first before he was appointed an assistant to Kallis. Under them, KKR won 32 of 61 games in four seasons and qualified for three consecutive playoffs. However, in 2019, the team fell agonizingly short, coming fifth.

Katich, on the other hand, was roped in after his successful tenure with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where he led the team to two successive titles in 2017 and 2018. Meanwhile, Katich will now coach Manchester Originals in the inaugural season of the Hundred (new league in England).

“Jacques Kallis has been an integral part of the KKR family and will always remain so,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore was quoted as saying in a press release. “We will be exploring ways of working with Jacques as we pursue our vision of establishing the Knight Riders brand as a global brand.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2019 04:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).