Mumbai Indians announce new head coach ahead of WPL 2026

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Mumbai Indians (MI) have confirmed the appointment of Lisa Keightley as their new head coach ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season. Keightley, a two-time World Cup winner with Australia, replaces Charlotte Edwards, who recently assumed the role of head coach for the England Women’s national team. The announcement signals the beginning of a new chapter for the reigning WPL champions, who will look to build on their remarkable success under Edwards.

Keightley arrives with an enviable cricketing résumé. As a player, she represented Australia in nine Tests and 82 ODIs, playing a key role in their 1997 and 2005 World Cup victories. Transitioning into coaching, she has guided elite national and franchise sides, including Australia Women, England Women, Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and London Spirit in The Hundred. Her reputation as a tactician and developer of young talent has earned her recognition as one of the most respected figures in women’s cricket worldwide.

Mumbai Indians enter WPL 2026 as defending champions, following their thrilling triumph over Delhi Capitals in the 2025 final. Under Edwards, MI Women established themselves as the league’s benchmark team, combining tactical brilliance with a winning mindset. With Keightley at the helm, the franchise is determined to sustain its dominance and chase a historic third WPL title.

In an official statement, Mumbai Indians lauded Keightley’s championship-winning pedigree and global coaching experience, stressing their belief that she will elevate the team to greater heights. The franchise emphasized her ability to nurture young talent, drive innovation, and enhance MI’s already formidable reputation.

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Keightley expressed her excitement at joining Mumbai Indians, praising the franchise’s world-class culture and commitment to excellence. She highlighted her ambition to build on recent achievements, create growth opportunities for emerging players, and continue the team’s pursuit of WPL glory.

“It’s an honour to join the Mumbai Indians, a team that has set the benchmark in the WPL,” Keightley said in a statement. “The culture of excellence and care is something I deeply admire. I look forward to working with this talented group to build on our success and continue inspiring on and off the field.”

The announcement has generated significant buzz among fans and players, with many praising the decision as a move that will strengthen Mumbai Indians’ legacy in women’s cricket. With Keightley’s mix of international insight and proven coaching acumen, expectations are high for fresh strategies, innovative gameplay, and another title-winning campaign.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.