Hyderabad have appointed Wasim Jaffer as mentor for the 2026-27 season. He starts on August 1 and will work with the senior team and age-group sides, offering technical guidance to young players across the state.
A Long Coaching Résumé
Jaffer holds the record for most runs in the Ranji Trophy, 12,038, and retired in 2020. Since then he has coached Vidarbha, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Odisha, and was a batting consultant for the Bangladesh Under-19 team. He has twice been batting coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL.
Why Hyderabad Chose Him
Ambati Rayudu, the HCA’s Head of Cricket Operations, told Sportstar that he had played with Jaffer and knew how disciplined he was. Nobody understands the domestic circuit better, Rayudu said, and the association wanted someone who could add positivity and help build the right culture.
Jaffer will travel with teams in Ranji Trophy, Under-23 and Under-16 cricket. Rayudu said the aim is a winning mindset among players and coaches alike.
Wider HCA Plans
The appointment is one of several moves since Rayudu took charge in May. The HCA has begun infrastructure projects across Telangana and launched the Telangana T20 League, which runs until mid-July.
It also plans academies in eight districts: Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad and Warangal. Each will have training grounds, dormitories and basic facilities to strengthen grassroots cricket.
