Rizwan Shamshad replaces Venkatesh Prasad as Uttar Pradesh coach

KANPUR: Former Uttar Pradesh batsman Rizwan Shamshad was today appointed chief coach of the state team after ex-India medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad's term came to an end.

Aligarh-born Shamshad represented UP in 108 first-class matches, registering 7018 runs at an average of 45.86 in his 15-year domestic career between 1990-2005.

The 42-year-old player will take charge of the state team in the upcoming season after Prasad, who was contracted by UPCA for a two-year term in 2012, ended his stint.

After the working committee meeting in Nainital, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) Secretary Rajeev Shukla declared that Shamshad will coach the state Ranji side while former UP medium-pacer Ashish Winston Zaidi will be the manager.

The State Senior Selection Committee will be headed by Rajendra Singh Hans with four other members in the team.

Veteran UP batsman Ratnesh Mishra will coach the Under-23 CK Naidu Trophy team while Arvind Kapoor will head the junior selection committee including four members.

Another senior UP batsman Rohit Prakash will coach the U-19 Vinoo Mankad and Cooch Behar Trophy team with Kapil Pandey as manager.

Former skipper and ex-India international Mohammad Kaif's younger brother Saif will coach the U-16 Vijay Merchant team while Mohammed Amir will coach the U-14 Raj Singh Dungarpur team with Arvind SOlanki as manager.