Veteran Coach Kiran Powar Appointed Assam Cricket Head Coach for 2026-27 Season

POLICY WIRE — Guwahati, India — Veteran first-class cricketer and experienced mentor, Kiran Powar, has officially been named the new head coach for the Assam senior cricket team, a role he will assume for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The appointment comes from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), recognizing Powar’s extensive background in the sport. Most recently, during the previous season, Powar served as the head coach for the Mumbai Under-23 team. Notably, Assam holds particular significance as it is the home state of BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.

Powar’s Vision for Assam Cricket

Speaking from Guwahati on Monday, Powar shared insights into his appointment, revealing he actively pursued the position with the Assam Cricket Association (ACA). He recounted being promptly invited for an interview, flying to Guwahati the day prior.

He noted that ACA officials were highly impressed and eager for him to accept the role. According to Powar, the association had received positive feedback about his disciplined and resolute approach from the Mumbai cricketing community, leading them to seek a coach of his caliber.

Powar expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the ACA’s proactive efforts, including advanced planning for the 2026-27 season and the construction of what will be India’s largest indoor cricket academy in Guwahati.

Although accepting the new role with enthusiasm, Powar admitted to a heavy heart about departing Mumbai, expressing hope to contribute to the city’s cricket scene again in the future. He specifically thanked Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik for his unwavering support and for granting him the opportunity to coach the Mumbai U-23 team, despite initial opposition from some quarters.

Assam’s Recent Performance and Coaching History

During the last season, Assam’s senior cricket team unfortunately did not advance to the knockout rounds in any of the domestic tournaments. His immediate task will be to elevate the team’s performance, as Assam failed to advance past the knockout stages in any domestic tournament last season, a common hurdle for many sporting entities seeking to refine their rosters and strategies, much like the scrutiny placed on player performance in high school baseball leagues.

The North Eastern team had a change in leadership during the 2025 season, with former India player Noel David serving as their head coach. The 2024-25 season saw Assam implement a split coaching strategy, with Vivek Jaisimha overseeing red-ball tournaments for the senior men’s team, while RX Murali took charge of the shorter formats.

Kiran Powar’s Illustrious Career and Future Endeavors

The 50-year-old Kiran Powar boasts a significant first-class playing career, having participated in 39 matches where he amassed 2562 runs at an impressive average of 42, in addition to securing 10 wickets. Beyond his coaching role, Powar recently unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex near Mumbai and Pune, a testament to his dedication to nurturing athletic talent. This ambition to foster future champions resonates with efforts seen across various sports, from collegiate basketball programs tracking roster changes and recruiting new talent, to local initiatives.

The expansive 55-acre facility, situated in Khopoli, is designed to cultivate young athletes, promote recreational sports, and encourage active lifestyles. Powar’s coaching journey began nearly a decade ago, first as the head coach for the Vidarbha Under-19 team for two years.

Subsequently, his career progressed to include roles as a batting coach at the MCA’s academy at BKC, and later as the head coach for the Mumbai Under-16 team. His extensive experience also includes serving as a selector for the Mumbai senior team, leading the West Zone as head coach in the Duleep Trophy last season, and contributing as a representative of the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) on the MCA’s Apex Council.