Darren Lehmann has announced his resignation from his roles with Brisbane Heat and Queensland and is set to focus commentary gig ahead of the BBL 2025.
His tenure ended with him accepting the commentary offer from an Australian Broadcasting Corporation in the lead-up to Aussies.
Darren Lehmann had a year in his contract as an assistant coach with Heat and Queensland having been part of the Heat coaching group that won BBL season last season which was the side’s first title since 2012-13.
Lehmann was set to continue his role under head coach Johan Botha, following the departure of Wade Seccombe earlier this year, but will leave his role on the eve of the 2024-25 season in order to take up a commentary gig with ABC Sport for the summer which will include coverage of the Border Gavaskar Series and the BBL.
Championship-winning coach Darren Lehmann has brought down the curtain on his Queensland coaching career ahead of the 2024-25 summer.
Thanks Boof! We look forward to hearing you on the @abcsport radio waves this Summer 📻
📰 https://t.co/fbs6vqzpvh pic.twitter.com/dvLvWLJWLE
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) September 17, 2024
It hints at the end of Lehmann’s coach after he applied for head coach jobs for Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades but missed out to Tim Paine and Cameron Green.
“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time. I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC (Queensland Cricket) and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling,” the 54-year-old said.
Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket CWO Terry Svenson paid tribute to Lehmann for his impact on Queensland cricket.
“Throughout his long involvement with us, whether as a team coach with the Bulls and the Heat, or assisting individual players with their development, Darren has been a positive and proactive influence on cricket in the state,” Svenson said.
“Being part of the group that won the BBL last summer is a fitting way to farewell him, and while we were looking forward to having him with us again this summer, we wish him every success in the commentary box with ABC Sport.”
Andy Bichel is the only remaining member of the coaching panel at both Queensland and Heat as a new era begins under Botha and general manager of high-performance Joe Dawes.
