Martin Crowe leaves Royal Challengers

Bangalore:

Chief Cricket Officer of Royal Challengers Bangalore has discontinued his association with the team, which has also announced that Ray Jennings, former South African Team coach, would take over as its Head Coach.

RCB and Crowe, the former New Zealand captain, issued a joint statement on Thursday, saying by mutual agreement they have decided to discontinue their association.

RCB CEO Brijesh Patel, announcing Jennings' appointment, said the South African has been successful and has a proven track record both as a cricketer and a coach.

The statement said Crowe was brought in as Chief Cricket Officer to assist the CEO and Captain of RCB in setting up the franchise from the game's perspective.

"Having accomplished this in the maiden year, a joint review was conducted to assess what is required to achieve the goals that the franchise had set for itself", it said.

"Based on this and the inputs by key senior management including Mr Crowe, it was mutually felt that the franchise needed a structural change in the management."

The statement said Crowe has played a valuable role in helping the franchise draw out a long term road map and is supportive of the changes in the management structure.

Crowe was quoted in the statement: "All of us were disappointed with the first year's results but much has been learnt along the way".

Patel said, "We are committed to improving the franchise's performance. We needed to re-structure the management to ensure an appropriate strategy in the coming seasons".