Mumbai Indians appoint Luke Williams as head coach ahead of WPL 2027

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians have appointed Luke Williams as their new head coach ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, with Lisa Keightley deciding to move on from the role.

Keightley, a former Australia batter, was appointed Mumbai Indians head coach in September 2025. The franchise said Williams will succeed her as it prepares for the upcoming WPL season.

Mumbai Indians owner Nita M Ambani welcomed Williams to the franchise, describing him as a “proven winner” with extensive experience and a strong understanding of the women’s game.

“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,” she said.

“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,” Ambani added.

She also thanked Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wished her well for the future.
Also read | MCA expands T20 Mumbai League with new Navi Mumbai franchise

Williams brings WPL-winning experience

Williams joins Mumbai Indians with extensive experience in women’s cricket across Australia, England and India. He was the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru when they won their maiden WPL title in 2025.

He has also worked as head coach of Southern Brave Women in The Hundred and Adelaide Strikers Women in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). He was part of title-winning teams in the WBBL in 2022 and 2023, The Hundred as an assistant coach in 2023, and the WPL in 2024.

Williams has also been part of England’s women’s coaching setup as an assistant coach since 2025.

A former first-class cricketer for South Australia, Williams has spent around two decades coaching in Australia, England and India. He is a three-time recipient of the Bradman Medal for grade cricket, winning it in the 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2009-10 seasons.

He has also worked under former Mumbai Indians head coach Charlotte Edwards as part of England’s coaching staff.
Also read | Pune to host Road Cycling World Championships in 2032, first time in India

Williams: ‘Great opportunity to build something together’

Williams said he was excited to join Mumbai Indians and work with their players and support staff.

“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,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of,” Williams added.

Mumbai Indians’ WPL record

Mumbai Indians have won two of the WPL’s four editions, lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2025 under captain Harmanpreet Kaur. They also reached the Eliminator in 2024.

Last season, Mumbai Indians finished fourth in the five-team tournament with three wins and five defeats and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Williams will now take charge of the two-time champions as they begin preparations for the 2027 WPL season.