Hobart Hurricanes rope in Gary Kirsten as coach for two BBL seasons

Former South African skipper Gary Kirsten has been appointed coach of the Hobart Hurricanes for the next two Big Bash League (BBL) seasons.

The BBL franchise said in a statement on Sunday that the arrangement was reached late last week after an extensive recruitment process involving a panel consisting of Tasmanian cricketing greats Ricky Ponting and David Boon, incoming CEO Nick Cummins, General Manager of Cricket Andrew Dykes and Hobart Hurricanes General Manager Bill Avery.

The 49-year-old played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals for South Africa before coaching India to the 2011 World Cup. He currently runs his own cricket academy in South Africa.

Currently residing in Cape Town South Africa, Kirsten said he wanted to engage with all levels of leadership at the Hurricanes and help develop a path that can deliver consistent success for the club, stating that the chance to work and engage with a passionate Hurricanes club based in Tasmania was very appealing.

"I am committed to developing the young T20 talent within the club and the region - at the same time creating the best environment for our leaders and experienced players to perform their best. To have the opportunity to work within Australian cricket is a huge privilege. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching BBL over the past few years and I'm really looking forward to this coaching opportunity with the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket.

"My vision is to help the Hurricanes become the club of choice for all aspiring BBL players. I would also like to help create an environment which enables a positive and entertaining brand of T20 cricket and to help deliver consistent success to the club," Kirsten said.

It is expected that Kirsten will visit Hobart mid-year before re-locating for the duration of the BBL season.