Prasanna Agoram, who has been a member of Proteas’ think-tank for the past 11 years, has been denied a visa for their upcoming tour of Pakistan due to “security protocols”
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Agoram, who is Indian, has been the Proteas’ performance analyst for over a decade, but was reportedly denied a visa for the two-Test and three-T20I series against Pakistan which begins on January 26.
As per The Indian Express, Agoram will now have to “work from home” in Bengaluru.
Since players are no longer allowed to use any communication devices in the dressing room, they won’t be able to receive feedback during matches. The only way Agoram can therefore communicate with the players will be after the day’s play.
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“I am like a dead man walking,” Prasanna Agoram told The Indian Express.
“I will do my best from here but yes, this is a big blow for me and for the players in the team who depend on me for the detailed analysis that’s best done from the ground. But we need to understand the protocols in place,” he said.
“I have been told that Lalchand Rajput, former India player who coaches Zimbabwe, couldn’t travel to Pakistan, umpire Aleem Dar is unable to come for work to India and such. So, I am not the only person,” he added.
The first Test in Karachi starts on Tuesday, 26 January, while the second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from 4-8 February.
Thereafter the Proteas and Pakistan will engage in three T20Is on 11, 13 and 14 February in Lahore.
The Tests will start at 07:00 SA time each day, while the T20Is will begin at 12:30 SA time.
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Curiously, Prasanna Agoram took to social media on Sunday to say farewell to the Proteas and thanked them for “11 wonderful years”.
Agoram wrote, “Thank you @OfficialCSA for 11 wonderful years. Worked with some great administrators, captains, players, coaches and support staff. Will miss you all #BidAdieu #EverGrateful“
Former Proteas assistant coach Vincent Barnes was among several to respond on social media to Agoram’s farewell, writing: It was a pleasure working with you. One of the best in the world. Spent so many hours and days sitting next to you at games or in your room sharing ideas, thoughts and of course some lighthearted moments. Go well my friend and good luck with your future endeavours.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) at the time of publishing hadn’t commented on Agoram’s visa issue nor his departure from the management team.
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