Imraan Khan bids farewell to the Dolphins to join Cricket South Africa. He joined the Hollywoodbets Dolphins as head coach in 2019. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Dolphins head coach Imraan Khan will leave his position at the union in order to take up the role of batting lead at Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Khan is currently with the Proteas squad in the West Indies as they continue their preparation for the first test match starting this week. The former left-hander played a crucial role as a player for the Dolphins. He then became a coach where he guided the Dolphins to two 4-Day Domestic Series crowns after taking over as head coach ahead of the 2019/20 season.
He spent a period as the assistant coach of the Dolphins behind former coach Grant Morgan before taking over and guiding the Dolphins to a first franchise 4-Day Series crown in the 2020/21 season.
Khan then oversaw the Dolphins winning another 4-Day Series title in the 2022/23 season.
The Dolphins also excelled in the white ball formats under Khan, winning the CSA One Day Cup in his first season. They shared the 50 over trophy with the Lions the following season and also competed in three CSA T20 Challenge finals under the guidance of Khan.
He oversaw the development of many players at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Under his tutelage the Dolphins continued to produce Proteas across formats and continued to be at the forefront of domestic cricket in South Africa. Having spent his entire professional career with the Dolphins, Khan said he is forever grateful for the opportunities he received with the team.
“I want to thank the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and the KZN Cricket Union for all their support,” Khan said.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve loved starting my coaching career at the union that has been my home for many seasons. This is an exciting step in my path as a coach, but Hollywoodbets Kingsmead will always be home, and I will miss everyone here.”
With five seasons at the helm, the Dolphins will miss the calm, quiet leadership of Khan. CEO of Hollywoodbets Dolphins Heinrich Strydom said he is proud of Khan and his step up to national level.
“We say that we want to create Proteas from a playing perspective, but the same rings true for coaches,” Strydom said.
“We’re incredibly excited for the next chapter for Immy (Imraan) and want to thank him for his incredible service to KZN Cricket. As a player and a coach, Immy has become an important part of the fabric at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, and we wish him all the very best for his new role with Cricket South Africa. He has left the Dolphins in a better place than when he arrived, and we can only thank him for all his efforts over the years.”
President of the KZN Cricket Union, Yunus Bobat, said CSA are gaining a huge asset in Khan.
“Imraan has proven that he is a top-class coach and has guided the Dolphins to two 4-Day Series titles in his five seasons. This track record will stand him in great stead at a national level and we are excited to track his journey.”