Contrary to multiple media reports, South Africa legend Jonty Rhodes and Bharat Arun have been hired by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) only on assignment basis not as full time consultant, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Sri Lanka Cricket made a press release on January 18, announcing the decisions taken by the Executive Committee during their meeting on January 16. SLC also appointed former India fast bowling coach Bharat Arun and former Sri Lankan physiotherapist Alex Kountouri in a coaching role.
Among the several steps the Committee took “for the advancement of the game in the country,” one was the appointment of acclaimed international coaches, including Rhodes, to train local coaches and trainers.
“Sri Lanka Cricket decided to obtain the services of some of the best-known talents in international cricket to provide advanced training for local coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists to enhance their skills and competencies by conducting periodic training programs in selected areas,” the press release mentioned.
“Towards this, the Executive Committee decided to obtain the services of former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who is a specialist fielding coach—former India National Team fast bowling coach Bharat Arun—and former Sri Lanka National Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri.”
However, a day after the press release, Rhodes took to X (Twitter) to dismiss the news. “This is news to me #checkyourfacts,” Rhodes wrote in response to a post by The Papare Sports announcing his appointment.
However, when inquired, SLC clarifed that appointments are only on assignment basis not as full time consultant.
“All three legends don’t have that much spare time, so we have hired them only on assignment basis” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
Rhodes is currently the fielding coach for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and the Durban Super Giants in the SA20. He has previously been involved with Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings in the IPL and has also had a stint as fielding coach with the Sri Lankan national team.
In 2015, ahead of Sri Lanka’s home Test series against Pakistan, Rhodes had been appointed as the fielding coach for a short duration of 10 days.
