- Lisa Keightley moves on as Mumbai Indians hand coaching reins to proven winner ahead of 2027 WPL
- Williams arrives with WBBL, The Hundred and WPL title-winning experience
- Former South Australia first-class cricketer brings two decades of coaching experience across three countries
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership to continue as Mumbai Indians chase another WPL crown
NE SPORTS BUREAU
MUMBAI, SEPT 24
Mumbai Indians have turned to a coach with a proven title-winning pedigree to steer their women’s team into a new era, appointing Luke Williams as Head Coach for the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season after Lisa Keightley decided to move on from the role.
Williams arrives at the Mumbai Indians camp with championship credentials across three major women’s cricket competitions — the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), The Hundred and the WPL — adding considerable international experience to a franchise that has already won two of the WPL’s four editions.
Nita M. Ambani said, “We are delighted to welcome Luke Williams to the Mumbai Indians family. Luke is a proven winner and brings with him rich experience, a deep understanding of the women’s game, and a strong commitment to developing players. Our girls have created a proud legacy in the WPL, and I am confident that, with Luke’s guidance and Harman’s leadership, they will continue to grow, achieve greater success, and inspire young girls everywhere to dream big. I wish Luke, and the entire team the very best as we begin this exciting new chapter together.
I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future.”
A coach with a global title trail
The appointment brings to Mumbai Indians a coach whose résumé spans Australia, England and India, with Williams having been part of title-winning teams in three major competitions.
He was associated with WBBL championship-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023, was Assistant Coach of the team that won The Hundred in England in 2023, and was part of the WPL title-winning setup in 2024.
A former first-class cricketer for South Australia, Williams has also been a three-time recipient of the Bradman Medal for grade cricket, winning the honour in the 2005/06, 2007/08 and 2009/10 seasons.
His coaching career now stretches across two decades and three cricketing nations, further strengthened by his role as Assistant Coach with the England Women’s team since 2025.
Williams: “A great opportunity to build something together”
Williams said he was looking forward to taking charge of a team with an established record in the WPL and a strong connection with its supporters.
Luke Williams, Head Coach, said, “I’m really excited to be joining Mumbai Indians, a respected and successful organisation, and working with this talented group of players and support staff. We have a great opportunity to build something together, play an exciting brand of cricket and compete for success. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of.”
Harmanpreet-Williams partnership under spotlight
Williams will now work alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has led Mumbai Indians to both their WPL titles — in 2023 and 2025.
The coaching change therefore marks a fresh chapter rather than a break from Mumbai Indians’ established WPL identity, with the franchise banking on Williams’ international experience and player-development credentials as it prepares for the 2027 season.
For Mumbai Indians, the next challenge will be to translate Williams’ championship experience into another successful WPL campaign while continuing to develop a squad capable of competing at the highest level of women’s cricket.
