Former India batsman Lalchand Rajput has been appointed as the coach of Afghanistan cricket team. He replaces Inzamam-ul-Haq, who had stepped down in April this year and became the chief selector of Pakistan.

Rajput has been recommended by the BCCI and has been preferred over former South African batting star Herschelle Gibbs and West Indies' Corey Collymore.

"Mr. Rajput has coached the Indian Under-19 Cricket side as well as the Mumbai Indians franchise in the IPL. His experience is a key asset for Afghanistan Cricket," Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Danish Nasimullah said in a statement.

"Mr. Rajput is technically and professionally strong coach in cricket, I am sure his presence with Afghan national cricket team will benefit the team. He will be joining the team for the Scotland, Ireland and Netherland tour," he added.

Rajput was the manager of the Indian team which won the inaugural World T20 in 2007. He was the coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League in 2008.