Aussie legend Shane Watson joins KKR support staff
Kolkata (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday named former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as their assistant coach for the upcoming IPL 2026.
Watson represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20 Internationals, amassing over 10,000 international runs and taking more than 280 wickets across formats.
"I am eager to work closely with the coaching group and players to help bring another title to Kolkata," Watson said in a press release.
Watson was an integral part of Australia’s 2007 and 2015 ICC World Cup-winning squads and played a key role in numerous series victories around the world.
He even enjoyed a stellar IPL career spanning 12 years (2008-2020), with 145 matches and four centuries to his name. He has been a part of victorious IPL sides, including Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.
Following his retirement from cricket, Watson transitioned seamlessly into coaching and mentorship roles within global T20 leagues.
"We are thrilled to welcome Shane Watson to the KKR family. His experience as a player and coach at the highest level will add immense value to our team culture and preparation. His understanding of the T20 format is world-class, and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field," Venky Mysore, KKR CEO said.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
