Central Districts Cricket is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced coach DEEPAK JOON to the role of Central Districts Performance and Pathways Coach — Central Hub. 

Joon joins Aldin Smith (Eastern Hub) and Jamie Watkins (Western Hub and Female Performance lead) in CD’s team of Performance and Pathway coaches, providing coaching support for established and up-and-coming players across our sweeping region. 

Joon fills the vacancy created when Glenn Pocknall was elevated in July to the position of Central Stags Head Coach for the Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy. 

A former first-class and List A player himself, Joon (40) played 12 first-class matches for Haryana in his native India before shifting to New Zealand and representing the Wellington Firebirds in the 2014/15 Plunket Shield. 

PHOTOSPORT

A specialist coach for the past 15 years, Joon was the Wellington Firebirds support coach and Women’s Under 19 Head Coach, Cricket Wellington before moving to Northern Districts Cricket last year to take up a role as a Pathway and Talent Coach, working with the ND Academy and Head Coach of ND A Men. 

During his Wellington years, Joon also provided coaching support for Central Districts players who were based in the capital, and is a familiar face to many Central Hinds and Stags players and staff.

CD Manager, High Performance Dave Meiring says, “We’re excited to have Deepak joining our pathway coaching network.

"His skill set and background in the game makes him the ideal person to compliment Jamie and Aldin as we support the future players of the Stags and Hinds.

PHOTOSPORT

“Deepak brings a huge amount of playing and coaching experience with him and we hope to utilise that not just in the pathways space, but in the high performance Central Hinds environment.

“I’m sure it won’t take long for Deepak to settle into CD, and the role he will play in the central hub will influence our future success.” 

Based in Palmerston North, Joon will lead CD’s male pathway and also support the Hinds under newly appointed Head Coach, Jacob Oram. 

Joon will be the Hinds’ Assistant Coach for this summer’s Dream11 Super Smash competition, and will lead the squad on occasions when Oram is not available to be on site for Hallyburton Johnstone Shield duties due to a pre-existing contract.

"I am really excited to join Central Districts Cricket and work in both the Performance and Pathways environments,” said Joon.

“It will be great to connect with players and build new relationships.

"I love the diversity that CD as a region brings, and the talent it offers, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of CD." 

Joon will commence his Central Districts role on 2 October 2023. Welcome to CD, Deepak!

Article added: Sunday 17 September 2023