Mitchell McClenaghan, a four-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians, is the new bowling coach of MI Emirates, their ILT20 affiliate. This will be McClenaghan’s first major coaching role, following his professional playing career which ended in 2021. He represented New Zealand in 48 ODIs and 29 T20Is, taking a total of 82 and 30 wickets, respectively.
McClenaghan will work under Robin Singh, who has been appointed head coach after serving as MI Emirates’ general manager in the ILT20’s first season. Singh takes over from Shane Bond, who has departed from Mumbai’s global network to coach Paarl Royals in the SA20. Ajay Jadeja, who was Afghanistan’s mentor during the 2023 World Cup, has also joined MI Emirates as batting coach. Vinay Kumar will continue as the assistant coach, and James Franklin as the fielding coach from the ILT20’s inaugural season.
MI Emirates recently named Nicholas Pooran as their captain, following his time with Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20. Kieron Pollard, who led MI Emirates to a third-placed finish last season, has replaced the injured Rashid Khan as captain of MI Cape Town.
Several other ILT20 franchises have made changes to their coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season, which begins on January 19. Johan Botha has replaced Paul Farbrace as coach of Sharjah Warriors, with JP Duminy set to work as his assistant. Tom Kohler-Cadmore will replace Moeen Ali as captain of the team.
Hemang Badani has taken over from Phil Simmons as the coach of Dubai Capitals, after recently coaching the Sunrisers franchises in both the IPL and the SA20, as well as leading India Capitals in the Legends League. Andy Flower is set to continue as coach of defending champions Gulf Giants, and James Foster remains in charge of last year’s runners-up, Desert Vipers. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, who were coached by Abhishek Nayar last season, are yet to announce their head coach for 2024.
