Gulf Giants have appointed former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as the head coach for the first edition of International League T20 (ILT20), scheduled to be held from January 13 to February 12 next year.

The former wicket-keeper batter brings wealth of cricketing experience into the side. The 54-year-old has previously coached the England cricket team from 2009 to 2014, helping them clinch the 2010 ICC World T20 in the Caribbean.

The legendary cricketer has also served as the head coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, and also for Saint Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League. Earlier, he was also appointed as the batting coach of Peshawar Zalmi in 2016.

Andy Flower has also experience of coaching the Lucknow Super Giants and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the Indian Premier League.

Since making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in February 1992, Andy Flower represented Zimbabwe in 213 ODIs and 63 Tests. He amassed 11,580 international runs in 320 innings at an average of 40.63, including registering 16 centuries and 82 fifties.

Flower will aim to guide the Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants to the ILT20 title in 2023.

As many as six teams including Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, Desert Vipers, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriors will participate in the inaugural edition of ILT20. A total of 34 matches will be played at the world-class stadiums in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).