Simon Katich, Hashim Amla join MI Cape Town's coaching unit ahead of SA20 player auctions

MI Cape Town, ahead of the first-ever player auctions, has announced its coaching staff for the inaugural SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 cricket League. The auction for the tournament is scheduled to take place on September 19 in Cape Town. The team includes Simon Katich, Hashim Amla, James Pamment, and Robin Peterson.

Simon Katich, a former Australian batsman, will serve as the team's head coach, while Hashim Amla, a legendary player from South Africa, will serve as the batting coach of the side. Simon has much on-field experience and is renowned for his logical and clear approach towards the game. Hashim Amla, a dependable player for his side, is the proud holder of the records for the fastest 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 ODI runs.

They are joined by former New Zealand batter James Pamment, who serves as the team's fielding coach, and former Proteas player and domestic coach Robin Peterson, who joins as the team's general manager. They are both deeply ingrained in the MI culture. Peterson had previously played with the Mumbai Indians, and Pamment is currently their fielding coach, a position he will keep. As a result, they are in a special role to introduce MI Cape Town to MI's brand of cricket.

It is an absolute honor: Simon Katich

Akash Ambani was overjoyed and thrilled to welcome the group of experts to the side. He said that the group will work together towards developing and building Mumbai Indians’ brand of cricket in the foreign land of South Africa.

“I’m happy to welcome Simon and Hashim on MI Cape Town coaching team. Together with James and Robin, we’ll be a team that will grow the MI brand of cricket in South Africa and bring to this cricket loving country the values and ethos MI stands for,” said Akash. M. Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm was quoted in the statement released by Mumbai Indians.

“It is an absolute honor to be offered the position of head coach for MI Cape Town. It is always special to put together a new team, hone skills, and build a team culture. I look forward to ensuring that MI Cape Town develops into a team that leverages the local talent and has MI core values at its heart,” Simon Katich said.

“I’m thrilled to take up this assignment with MI Cape town. Big thanks to MI owners, management, and my manager for facilitating this so smoothly. From everything they have planned it looks like it’s going to be an amazing platform that will attract our local talent. Bringing my experience as a player and mentor I am excited to help MI Cape Town players bring the best out of themselves and also make SA cricket stronger,” said Hashim Amla.