Mumbai Indians have confirmed a change in leadership for their women’s team ahead of the Women’s Premier League 2027 season, appointing Luke Williams as head coach following the departure of Lisa Keightley.
Keightley took charge before the 2026 campaign after succeeding Charlotte Edwards. However, Mumbai Indians endured a disappointing season, missing out on the playoffs despite entering the tournament as two-time champions.
Her exit had been widely anticipated after Cricket Australia appointed her as its National Development Lead, a role focused on developing the next generation of women’s cricketers. Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani thanked Keightley for her contribution and wished her success in her new position.
“I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future,” Ambani said.
Mumbai have turned to Williams, who arrives with an impressive coaching résumé across Australia, England and India. He remains head coach of the Adelaide Strikers, guiding the franchise to consecutive Women’s Big Bash League titles in 2022 and 2023, while he was also part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s coaching staff during their 2024 WPL title-winning campaign.
Welcoming the Australian coach, Ambani expressed confidence that he can help the franchise build on its successful history.
“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,” she said.
Williams has also enjoyed success during his playing days, winning the Bradman Medal three times for grade cricket in the 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2009-10 seasons. Over the past two decades, he has coached across Australia, England and India, and has served as an assistant coach with the England Women’s team since 2025.
The newly appointed coach said he is eager to begin his journey with the Mumbai-based franchise.
“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,” Williams said.
His first major responsibility will come at the WPL 2027 player auction, scheduled to be held in Kochi on October 28, where Mumbai Indians will begin shaping their squad for the new season.
Mumbai Indians have lifted the WPL trophy twice, winning the inaugural edition in 2023 before reclaiming the title in 2025 under captain Harmanpreet Kaur. With Williams now taking charge and Harmanpreet continuing as skipper, the franchise will aim to bounce back strongly after last season’s disappointment.
Williams brings title-winning experience from multiple competitions, including the Women’s Big Bash League, The Hundred and the Women’s Premier League. Mumbai Indians will now look to use that experience as they prepare for another bid for WPL success in 2027.
