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Ronchi, Oram cleared for PSL coaching roles, to miss New Zealand assignments

Cricbuzz Staff 
ronchi-is-set-to-serve-as-the-head-coach-of-islamabad-united-while-oram-will-be-one-of-his-assistants-in-the-team
Ronchi is set to serve as the head coach of Islamabad United while Oram will be one of his assistants in the team ©Getty

New Zealand's assistant coaches - Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram - have been granted leave by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to take up coaching assignments with Islamabad United in the 2026 Pakistan Super League, which is set to get underway from March 26. Ronchi is set to serve as the head coach of the franchise while Oram will be one of his assistants in the team.

Since the PSL will run till late April, the duo will miss out on the national team's upcoming series against South Africa and the tour of Bangladesh.

Explaining the rationale of the decision, Mike Sandle - New Zealand's performance manager - said the board supported Ronchi and Oram pursuing the coaching opportunities, which will help not just them but also the team.

"This is a great chance for Luke and Jake to further their coaching experience and grow their skills outside of the New Zealand cricket environment," Sandle said. "Just like our players, our coaches are in demand around the world and we believe Luke and Jake will not only personally benefit from their time at the PSL, but they will also be able to bring back knowledge and IP that can aid the BLACKCAPS and NZC in the future."

Sandle also confirmed that Jonny Bassett-Graham and Graeme Aldridge would assist Rob Walter in the upcoming series against South Africa, while Brendon Donkers will assist on the tour of Bangladesh.

"One of the added bonuses of Luke and Jake heading to the PSL is the opportunity it affords other coaches in the NZC network," Sandle said. "It will be great to have Jonny, Graeme and Brendon join the BLACKCAPS and I'm sure they will get a lot of out their time in the environment and the experience of working alongside our players and support staff.

"Their involvement will naturally help strengthen our high-performance coaching depth and we hope the coaches themselves will be able to take back some of what they've learned to benefit the domestic set-ups."

New Zealand's five-match T20I home series against South Africa begins on March 15.

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