Andy Flower, who was confirmed as head coach of the Lucknow IPL franchise on Friday, said he is relishing the challenge to build something meaningful with the side in the upcoming IPL.

That Flower was set to be the head coach had been reported in Friday’s edition of The Telegraph.

The Lucknow franchise, owned by Sanjiv Goenka-backed RPSG Ventures Ltd, is one of the two new teams that will make its debut in the 10-team format next season.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining the new Lucknow franchise and I am very grateful for the opportunity. Since my very first tour to India in 1993, I have always loved touring, playing and coaching in India,” Flower was quoted as saying in a media release.

Goenka welcomed Flower to the RPSG family. “As a player and a coach Andy has left an indelible mark in the history of cricket. We respect his professionalism and hope he will work with our vision and add value to our team,” Goenka said.

Flower is the first appointment on the coaching staff by the Lucknow franchise. He had been part of Punjab Kings support staff as assistant coach for the last two seasons.

With the Lucknow franchise almost certain to rope in KL Rahul as one of their off-auction recruits from the pool of unretained players, Flower will once again get to work together with the India opener. Rahul, who was captain at Punjab Kings, is also likely to lead the Lucknow franchise.

Flower was at the helm when England dominated Test cricket and when Paul Collingwood’s team won England’s only ICC trophy — the 2010 World T20 — he had been the coach.

Under his guidance, Multan Sultans won their maiden PSL title earlier this year.