In a significant move ahead of the new Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, the Mumbai Indians have proudly named Lisa Keightley, a former Australian cricketer and dual World Cup champion, as the head coach of their formidable women’s team.
Mumbai Indians players celebrate.
Keightley boasts an impressive resume, having been a pivotal member of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in both 1997 and 2005. Beyond her playing accolades, she brings a wealth of coaching experience from elite leagues and national teams across Australia, England, and other major global competitions.
The Mumbai Indians women’s team has already carved out a legacy of success in the Women’s Premier League, securing championship titles in 2023 and 2025, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the league.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the appointment, MI owner Nita Ambani stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Keightley to the Mumbai Indians family. 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.”
Keightley shared her excitement about joining the reigning champions: “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. I look forward to working with this talented group to build on our success and continue inspiring on and off the field.”
Notably, Keightley holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as a full-time head coach for the England women’s team, a testament to her pioneering impact on the sport. Her coaching journey includes highly successful stints in the Women’s Big Bash League, The Hundred, and the WPL, most recently leading the Northern Superchargers to victory in The Hundred women’s competition.
Throughout her distinguished playing career as an opener, Keightley proudly represented Australia in nine Test matches, 82 One Day Internationals, and one Twenty20 International.