Mumbai Indians Women’s have a new head coach, and it’s a big name. Former Australian cricketer Lisa Keightley has been appointed to lead the side ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 season.
Keightley comes in with serious credentials. She was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 1997 and 2005 and went on to coach both the Australian and England women’s national sides. More recently, she guided Northern Superchargers to The Hundred women’s title just last month.
The 54-year-old replaces Charlotte Edwards, who coached MI for the first three seasons of the WPL, winning titles in 2023 and 2025. Edwards stepped down earlier this year after taking up the England head coach role.
For Mumbai Indians, the change marks the start of a new chapter. They are already the most successful side in WPL history with two titles in three years, and expectations will only grow with Keightley at the helm.
Speaking after her appointment, Keightley said she was excited to join a franchise that has already set the standard in the WPL. “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,” she said.
ऐका ऐका! Our new #WPL Head Coach Lisa has a message for you 💌🗣️#AaliRe #MumbaiIndians pic.twitter.com/UJba05ROLJ
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 25, 2025
MI owner Nita Ambani welcomed her on board with high praise, calling Keightley a “trailblazer in women’s cricket” and highlighting her ability to inspire players and build winning teams.
Keightley, who played nine Tests, 82 ODIs and one T20I for Australia between 1995 and 2005, is known for her calm presence and sharp cricketing brain. She has also coached in the WBBL with Sydney Thunder and has worked in the WPL before.
With the next WPL season only months away, fans will be eager to see how she shapes a squad that already boasts experience and star power. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural title in 2023, fell short in 2024 when Royal Challengers Bengaluru took the crown, but bounced back strongly in 2025 to reclaim the trophy against Delhi Capitals.
