Former Australia and England head coach Lisa Keightley has been appointed Cricket Australia’s national development lead, a strategic role aimed at strengthening pathways and nurturing the next generation of talent in the women’s game.
The move comes as the sixth edition of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 unfolds in Dubai, underscoring a period of growth and transition for women’s cricket globally. While Keightley will continue as head coach of Sydney Thunder in the WBBL following a two-year extension signed in June, her future with Mumbai Indians in the WPL appears uncertain, and her role with MI London in The Hundred remains under review.
Lisa Keightley’s distinguished playing and coaching resume lends considerable weight to her new appointment. As a batter, she represented Australia in nine Tests, 82 ODIs, and one T20I before transitioning into coaching, where she has led both the Australian and English national women’s teams. Most recently, she took charge of Mumbai Indians in the WPL after Charlotte Edwards’ elevation to England’s head coach, guiding the franchise to a fourth-place finish last season with three wins from eight matches, its first failure to reach the playoffs.
At the same time, she has remained a steady hand at Sydney Thunder, who finished seventh in the 2025 WBBL with nine points from ten games under captain Phoebe Litchfield, recording four wins, five losses, and one washed-out fixture.
In her new CA role, Keightley will focus on building robust development structures across the country, working closely with players, coaches, and support staff to foster positive environments and expand opportunities for emerging talent. “I’m really excited to take on this role and contribute to the future of Australian cricket,” Keightley said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with players and coaches at all levels of the game, and one thing I’ve learned is how important strong pathways and guidance are in helping talent grow and thrive.”
She added that her priority would be “supporting players, coaches and staff across the country, helping create positive environments and making sure people have the opportunities and support they need to be their best.”
Sonya Thompson, CA’s head of national development, welcomed Keightley’s return, highlighting her breadth of experience across international, domestic, and pathway programs. “We’re delighted to welcome Lisa back to Australian cricket,” Thompson said. “Lisa brings a wealth of experience to the role. She’s passionate about developing people and helping players reach their potential, and that makes her a great fit for this role.”
The timing of Keightley’s appointment is notable against the backdrop of the ongoing ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, a tournament hosted for the first time in the UAE and running from 28 August to 13 September at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. As associate and full-member nations compete on a prominent regional stage, the emphasis on development and pathway strengthening within established cricket ecosystems like Australia’s assumes even greater significance.
While Keightley’s continuation with Sydney Thunder provides stability in the WBBL, questions remain over her WPL and Hundred commitments. It is understood she is likely to step down from her Mumbai Indians role, while her position with MI London in The Hundred is yet to be determined. Regardless of those outcomes, her return to Cricket Australia in a dedicated development capacity marks a pivotal investment in the long-term health and competitiveness of the women’s game in the country.
(Quotes sourced from Cricinfo)
