EXCLUSIVE - GEORGE DOBELL: Irani, the former England allrounder, fulfilled a similar role at Essex during which period the club won the County Championship twice (2017 and 2019), and the Bob Willis Trophy (2020). They also won the T20 Blast in 2019
Ronnie Irani has emerged as a leading contender to fill the role of director of cricket at Warwickshire.
Irani, the former England allrounder, fulfilled a similar role at Essex during which period the club won the County Championship twice (2017 and 2019), and the Bob Willis Trophy (2020). They also won the T20 Blast in 2019.
He stepped down from the position towards the end of 2021 season citing a desire to concentrate on his business interests. He had, by then, lost the support of some at the club after suggesting an "alcohol culture" was holding the team back.
Ronnie Irani is understood to be a contender for the Warwickshire director of cricket role [Getty Images]
Paul Farbrace stepped down from the position at the end of the 2022 season [Getty Images]
The Cricketer understands that Warwickshire reached out to Irani in recent days after Simon Insley declined the job offer. Insley, who has been New Zealand's performance manager since May, had been their first choice for the role.
An approach has also been made to Chris Silverwood, who is currently head coach of Sri Lanka. But Ashley Giles, the former managing director of England's men's cricket, has been informed he will not be offered the job.
The Warwickshire role has been vacant since Paul Farbrace departed at the end of the 2022 season; he has since joined Sussex as head coach.