Two-time player of the year Vinay Iyer has been confirmed as the Head Coach of the Japan National Academy Men’s U15 squad.

Vinay has taken on increased coaching responsibility in the last few years, completing his ICC Level One coaching course, working hard with the junior members of the Kawasaki Knight Riders Club, which he founded, and in the Japan Futures League.

As Head Coach of the Gorillas in the Futures League, Vinay led his team to the final in 2022 and went one better this year, winning the second edition of the tournament.

Speaking after his appointment the Head of Cricket Operations at the Japan Cricket Association, Alan Curr, said: “Vinay is an outstanding role model within the cricket community already. His reputation as a player is well earned, but more than that his empathy and dedication to helping players improve is exactly the sort of quality we look for in junior coaches. We are excited to see how he can help improve the best young talent in Japan.”

The role will start immediately and everyone at the JCA would like to congratulate Vinay on his new role.