Former New Zealand fast bowler, Shane Bond, assumes the role of head coach for the SA20 franchise Paarl Royals, succeeding JP Duminy, who now serves as the permanent batting coach for the South African national cricket team.

Bond, known for his coaching roles in various T20 leagues, recently served as the head coach for MI Emirates in the ILT20. He previously held the position of bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL from 2015 to 2020.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Bond left his roles in the ILT20 and the IPL to join the Royals Sports Group. In October 2023, he was unveiled as the new assistant coach and fast-bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The Rajasthan franchise also owns the Barbados Royals in the CPL, in addition to its SA20 franchise.

In a press release, Bond shared his excitement about the challenge and the strong squad assembled for the upcoming SA20 season, scheduled from January 10 to February 10. The inaugural match for the Paarl Royals takes place at Boland Park on January 12 against the Pretoria Capitals. Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals Director of Cricket, welcomed Bond into his new role, emphasizing the alignment of Bond’s experience, commitment, and vision with the team’s goals for the upcoming season. The defending champions of the league are Sunrisers Eastern Cape.