MANCHESTER — Lancashire County Cricket Club has made a significant addition to its coaching staff, appointing former England international Kabir Ali as its new Lead Bowling Coach.
The 43-year-old, who played one Test and 14 One-Day Internationals for England, joins the Red Rose from Worcestershire, where he served as Bowling Coach. He replaces Glen Chapple, who stepped up to become Head Coach last autumn. Ali’s appointment marks a return to a county he represented with distinction as a player from 2010 to 2014, claiming 164 first-class wickets.
A Seam Bowling Pedigree Returns to Emirates Old Trafford
Kabir Ali brings a wealth of experience, both from a distinguished playing career and a burgeoning coaching portfolio. Renowned for his skillful seam and swing bowling, he took 734 wickets across all formats in a professional career spanning 17 years with Worcestershire, Lancashire, and Hampshire. His international highlight was a memorable Test debut against South Africa at Headingley in 2003, where he claimed the wicket of Jacques Kallis.
Since retiring in 2016, Ali has rapidly built a reputation as one of the country’s most promising coaches. After roles with Hampshire and the England Lions, he returned to his boyhood county, Worcestershire, in 2021. His work there, particularly in developing young quicks like Josh Tongue, who earned an England call-up, has been widely praised.
Building on a Legacy and Shaping the Future
At Lancashire, Ali inherits a talented and diverse bowling group. His primary tasks will be to nurture the county’s promising homegrown seamers, manage the workload of overseas stars, and build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor. The squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, including:
- England quick James Anderson, whose mentorship will be invaluable.
- Overseas paceman Nathan Lyon, offering world-class spin expertise.
- Emerging talents like Tom Bailey, Will Williams, and George Balderson.
- Young prospects such as Jack Blatherwick and fast bowler Saqib Mahmood.
In his first statement since the appointment, Kabir Ali expressed his excitement at the new challenge. "I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to Lancashire Cricket in this role," he said. "It’s a club with a fantastic history and a passionate supporter base, and I have incredibly fond memories of my time here as a player."
He also outlined his coaching philosophy, emphasizing development and performance. "My goal is to help our bowlers maximise their potential, whether they are seasoned internationals or youngsters breaking into the first team," Ali added. "We have a great mix in the squad, and I can’t wait to start working with them all, sharing my experiences and helping us win trophies."
Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Vision
The appointment has been warmly welcomed by the Lancashire leadership. Head Coach Glen Chapple, who now works directly with his former teammate, highlighted Ali’s specific qualities. "Kabir is a highly respected coach with a proven track record of developing bowlers," Chapple stated. "He understands the demands of the modern game and has a great ability to communicate and build relationships. His knowledge of Lancashire and our ambitions made him the outstanding candidate."
Director of Cricket Performance, Mark Chilton, echoed this sentiment, framing the hire within the club’s long-term strategy. "This is a key appointment for us as we continue to strengthen our coaching structure," Chilton said. "Kabir’s expertise will be crucial across all formats, and his experience of international cricket will be a huge asset for our players aspiring to reach the highest level."
A Crucial Season Ahead
Ali’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Lancashire. The club is eager to end a trophy drought in red-ball cricket, having last won the County Championship in 2011. In white-ball cricket, the goal is to consistently challenge in the latter stages of competitions like the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup.
His immediate focus will be preparing the bowling attack for the rigors of the 2025 County Championship season and the T20 campaign. Key areas of attention will include managing James Anderson’s schedule following his England retirement, integrating Nathan Lyon’s knowledge, and accelerating the development of the county’s next generation of fast bowlers.
Conclusion: A Homecoming with Purpose
Kabir Ali’s return to Emirates Old Trafford is more than a sentimental homecoming; it is a strategic acquisition for Lancashire Cricket. By securing a coach with his specific blend of international pedigree, proven developmental success, and existing affinity for the club, Lancashire has positioned its bowling resources for sustained success.
The move signals a clear intent to build a bowling unit capable of dominating across all formats. As Ali begins his work on the training grounds of Manchester, the hope among members and supporters will be that his skill, knowledge, and passion can help translate the squad’s potential into the silverware the club and its passionate fanbase crave.
With pre-season preparations on the horizon, all eyes will be on how this respected former England bowler imparts his wisdom to a new generation, aiming to swing the momentum firmly in Lancashire’s favour for the seasons to come.