Women's Premier League (WPL) defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced Australia's two-time World Cup winner Lisa Keightley as the head coach for the upcoming season. Lisa is the 1997 and 2005 edition of Women's ODI World Cup. She has had coaching stints in Australia, England and T20 franchise cricket.
“It’s an honour to join the Mumbai Indians, a team that has set the benchmark in the WPL. The culture of excellence and care is something I deeply admire," Keightley said in a statement.
“I look forward to working with this talented group to build on our success and continue inspiring on and off the field," she added.
MI team owner Nita M. Ambani is looking forward to her joining the franchise with two WPL trophies in the cabinet already.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Keightley to the Mumbai Indians family," team owner Nita M. Ambani said.
“A trailblazer in women’s cricket, Lisa has inspired generations with her passion, expertise and pioneering spirit. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Mumbai Indians as we look to scale even greater heights and build on our legacy of excellence," she added.
Keightley's numbers in international cricket
Keightley has played nine Tests, 82 ODIs and one T20I. From 78 ODI innings, she has 2,630 runs at an average of 39.84, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries. She has eight wickets in ODIs as well.
Keightley's coaching experience
Keightley was the first women to be appointed as full-time head coach of England team. She has coached Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, her most recent coaching gig. She has had coaching experience in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) as well.