LONDON — In a significant double appointment aimed at bolstering their leadership for the 2026 season, MI London have secured the services of two high-profile international coaches. The franchise has named former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard as head coach of the men's team and experienced Australian coach Lisa Keightley as head coach of the women's team for The Hundred.
The move signals a clear intent from the London-based outfit to inject proven, world-class tactical acumen and a winning mentality into their setups. Pollard, a legendary T20 globetrotter and former MI Cape Town coach, and Keightley, the former head coach of the England women's team, bring a wealth of experience from the highest levels of the game. Their appointments come as MI London looks to rebuild after a challenging 2025 season where both teams fell short of the knockout stages.
A Powerhouse Partnership for MI London
The decision to bring in Pollard and Keightley is seen as a strategic masterstroke, aligning the franchise with coaches who have deep roots in successful cricketing ecosystems. Pollard's connection to the global Mumbai Indians family is particularly significant. A titan of the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians, his understanding of the franchise's culture and expectations is unparalleled. In a statement, the franchise highlighted this synergy, quoting Pollard: "The Mumbai Indians ethos is about fearless cricket and a family spirit. I'm excited to bring that energy to London and build a team that plays with passion and power."
Lisa Keightley's appointment is equally impactful. Having steered England Women to the final of the 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, she possesses intimate knowledge of the domestic player pool and the unique demands of the 100-ball format. Her focus is expected to be on developing a cohesive and aggressive unit. Keightley remarked, "The Hundred is a fantastic competition that showcases the women's game. I see huge potential in this MI London squad and can't wait to start working with the players to unlock it."
Kieron Pollard: From Titan to Tactician
Pollard's transition from on-field colossus to a respected coach has been rapid and impressive. After retiring from international cricket, he immediately moved into coaching roles, most notably with MI Cape Town in SA20 and as a batting coach for the England men's white-ball teams. His coaching philosophy is built on the same principles that defined his playing career:
- Power-hitting expertise: As one of the most devastating finishers the game has seen, Pollard is uniquely positioned to mentor the next generation of boundary-hitters.
- Calm under pressure: His experience in countless high-stakes IPL and international finals will be invaluable in the crunch moments of The Hundred.
- Man-management: Having played in franchise leagues worldwide, he understands how to blend diverse personalities into a winning team.
The immediate challenge for Pollard will be to address the men's team's middle-order consistency and death-bowling strategies, areas that proved costly in previous campaigns. His deep knowledge of the global T20 talent market will also be crucial in the upcoming draft.
Lisa Keightley: A Proven Builder
Keightley arrives with a sterling reputation for building competitive and professional environments. Her tenure with England Women was marked by a clear strategic vision and an emphasis on player development. For MI London, her key areas of influence will likely include:
- Strategic Acumen: Her experience in World Cup campaigns ensures a meticulous approach to game plans and match-ups specific to the 100-ball format.
- Developing English Talent: With The Hundred having a strong domestic core, Keightley's ability to identify and nurture local players will be a major asset.
- High-Performance Culture: She is expected to instil a professional and demanding training environment that mirrors international standards.
The women's team, boasting exciting talents, has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency to challenge for the title. Keightley's structured approach aims to transform that potential into sustained performance. A franchise spokesperson emphasized her fit, stating, "Lisa's track record in elevating teams to the highest level made her the outstanding candidate. Her vision for women's cricket aligns perfectly with our ambitions for MI London."
The Road to 2026
With the draft and squad retention process on the horizon, both coaches will immediately be involved in pivotal roster decisions. Their combined networks and scouting expertise will shape the composition of the 2026 squads. The appointments have been met with optimism from players and fans alike, generating a buzz that the franchise is poised for a resurgence.
The broader context of these hires also underscores the growing stature of The Hundred. Attracting coaches of this calibre, who are in demand worldwide, demonstrates the competition's credibility and its importance in the global cricket calendar. It raises the bar for coaching standards within the tournament and promises a more tactically nuanced contest.
Conclusion: A New Era for London
The dual hiring of Kieron Pollard and Lisa Keightley marks the beginning of a new, ambitious chapter for MI London. More than just tacticians, they are cultural architects brought in to establish a definitive MI identity in London—one of resilience, explosive power, and smart cricket. Pollard's street-smart, aggressive mindset combined with Keightley's methodical, high-performance approach creates a compelling leadership duo. As the countdown to the 2026 edition begins, the message from the MI London camp is clear: they are not just participating in The Hundred; they are building to dominate it. The success of this bold strategy will ultimately be measured on the field, but for now, the franchise has made a statement of intent that resonates across the cricketing world.