Mumbai Indians have made a coaching change ahead of the 2027 Women’s Premier League season, with Luke Williams appointed as their new Head Coach. Lisa Keightley has decided to move on from her position with the franchise. Williams will now take charge as Mumbai Indians prepare for the next WPL season. His appointment comes as the team begins a new phase under a different coach.
Mrs. Nita M. Ambani welcomed Williams to Mumbai Indians and also thanked Keightley for her contribution to the team. “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. I would also like to thank Lisa Keightley for her contribution to Mumbai Indians and wish her the very best for the future.”
Williams is a former first-class cricketer for South Australia and has built a strong coaching record in women’s cricket. He has been part of title-winning teams in three major competitions across the world. His experience includes the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia in 2022 and 2023, The Hundred in England as Assistant Coach in 2023, and the WPL in India in 2024. He will now bring that experience into his new role with Mumbai Indians.
Williams said he was excited to join Mumbai Indians and work with the 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. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to giving our fans plenty to be proud of.”
Williams is also a three-time recipient of the Bradman Medal for grade cricket, having received the award in the 2005/2006, 2007/2008 and 2009/2010 seasons. He has spent two decades coaching in Australia, England, and India. Since 2025, he has also been working as Assistant Coach with the England’s Women Team. His coaching journey has covered different countries. He will continue that work with Mumbai Indians as Head Coach.
Mumbai Indians have won two of the WPL’s four editions, in 2023 and 2025, under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur. Williams will now begin his work as Head Coach ahead of the 2027 WPL season, while Harmanpreet continues to lead the side as captain. Mumbai Indians will now prepare for another WPL campaign with Williams at the helm.
Williams’ appointment gives Mumbai Indians a coach with experience from Australia, England and India, as well as work with the England’s Women Team since 2025. His previous title-winning roles include the Women’s Big Bash League in 2022 and 2023, The Hundred in 2023 and the WPL in 2024. As the franchise looks towards the WPL 2027, Williams will work with the players and support staff in his new position.
(Inputs sourced from Mumbai Indians press release)
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