Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar rejoined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday as their new head of cricket development.

Bangar's return to the franchise comes just days before the 2024 IPL player auction in Dubai.

The former cricketer was the franchise's head coach for three seasons, from 2014 to 2016, when they were known as Kings XI Punjab. After starting as an assistant coach, he was appointed to head coach midway through the 2014 season.

His tenure with Punjab began with the team winning the group in the 2014 edition and eventually finishing runners-up - their sole participation in an IPL final to date - after a loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.

Punjab, on the other hand, ended at the bottom of the eight-team table the following two seasons, prompting the club to break company with Bangar.

"It's an honor to be back with the Punjab Kings," Bangar said in a press release.

Bangar will collaborate with the team's head coach, Trevor Bayliss, to develop a thought tank for the IPL auction, which will be held in Dubai on December 19.

"We have a strong core group of players, as evidenced by the low number of player releases this year." "The challenge is to provide the squad with the best support possible during and after the season in order to strengthen the team and deliver success," Bangar added.

Bangar worked as a batting consultant for the Royal Challengers Bangalore before being named the team's head coach for the next two years.

Punjab Kings have released five players, including Shahrukh Khan of Tamil Nadu.