Who Are Pollard and Keightley, MI London's New Coaches?

MI London has appointed Kieron Pollard and Lisa Keightley as head coaches for their men's and women's teams respectively for the 2026 edition of The Hundred, marking a significant step in the franchise's development. Both coaches bring extensive international experience, with Pollard having a storied career in T20 cricket and Keightley boasting a successful coaching background in women's cricket.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent appointment of Kieron Pollard and Lisa Keightley as coaches for MI London represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing the performance of both the men's and women's teams in The Hundred. Pollard, a former West Indies all-rounder, is well-known for his deep ties to the Mumbai Indians franchise, while Keightley, a former Australian international player, has previously achieved success as a coach in various leagues. Their leadership is expected to create a high-performance culture at the franchise, which has recently rebranded from Oval Invincibles following significant investment.

Key takeaways

• Kieron Pollard and Lisa Keightley are appointed as head coaches for MI London’s men’s and women’s teams for The Hundred 2026.
• Pollard has extensive experience in T20 cricket, having played over 650 franchise matches.
• Keightley previously led the Northern Superchargers to win the women's title in 2025.

Timeline: how we got here

MI London’s evolution has been marked by several key milestones:

• 2021: MI London (then Oval Invincibles) launches in The Hundred.
• 2025: Northern Superchargers, coached by Keightley, wins the women's title.
• 2026: Pollard and Keightley appointed as head coaches for MI London.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Pollard and Keightley as coaches marks a new chapter for MI London, illustrating the franchise's commitment to building competitive teams. Pollard's previous coaching role with England and his extensive T20 experience, coupled with Keightley’s track record of success in women's cricket, positions MI London favourably for the upcoming season.

What was already established

MI London has a strong foundation built on the prior success of the Oval Invincibles, including winning titles and a growing fanbase. The rebranding signals a new direction, bolstered by the backing of Reliance Industries Limited, which has significant resources to invest in player development and team success.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With the rebranding and new coaching appointments, MI London aims to enhance the spectator experience and increase engagement for both men’s and women’s cricket. This could lead to higher attendance at matches and a more vibrant cricketing community.

Businesses and jobs

The investment from Reliance Industries Limited not only supports the teams but also contributes to job creation in the local area, from matchday staff to training personnel. The success of MI London could stimulate local businesses through increased tourism and match attendance.

Policy and regulation

As MI London prepares for The Hundred, the cricketing landscape in the UK continues to evolve. With the introduction of new coaching strategies and a focus on performance, the franchise may influence future policy decisions regarding player development and investment in women's cricket.

Numbers that matter

• 650+: Matches played by Kieron Pollard in T20 franchise cricket, the most in history.
• 9: Test matches played by Lisa Keightley for Australia.
• 5: Titles won by teams affiliated with Mumbai Indians across various leagues.
• 49%: Stake in MI London acquired by Reliance Industries Limited.
• 2025: Year Keightley guided the Northern Superchargers to women's title success.

Definitions and jargon buster

• The Hundred: A professional franchise 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales.
• T20: A format of limited overs cricket in which each team bats for a maximum of 20 overs.
• IPL: Indian Premier League, a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As MI London gears up for The Hundred, expect initial preparations, including player selections and training camps, to commence shortly. The focus will be on building team cohesion and establishing coaching philosophies.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the lead-up to the tournament, MI London will likely assess player performances and make adjustments to the team roster, focusing on areas of improvement identified during training sessions. Pollard and Keightley will be pivotal in shaping team strategies and ensuring effective implementation.

Signals to watch

• Player performance metrics during pre-season training.
• Media releases regarding team selections and strategy updates.
• Engagement levels at promotional events leading up to The Hundred.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated with MI London’s announcements for player signings and team news.
• Engage with local cricketing events and community initiatives to support the franchise.
• Follow social media channels for behind-the-scenes content and coaching insights.

Don’t

• Miss opportunities to attend matches and support both teams.
• Assume that past successes guarantee future performance; each season is unique.
• Neglect to consider how coaching changes might impact player dynamics.

Checklist

• Review MI London’s squad announcements and coaching updates.
• Plan to attend pre-season events and matches for both teams.
• Engage in discussions around the impact of coaching changes on team performance.
• Monitor media coverage for insights into team strategies and player development.
• Participate in community initiatives to support local cricket and MI London.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the appointments of Pollard and Keightley are promising, several uncertainties remain. Team dynamics can be unpredictable, and the success of new coaching strategies may vary based on player adaptability and performance. Additionally, the competitive landscape of The Hundred means that MI London will face formidable challenges from other franchises seeking to establish dominance.

Bottom line

The appointment of Kieron Pollard and Lisa Keightley as coaches for MI London signals a bold new direction for the franchise ahead of The Hundred 2026. Their extensive experience and proven track records will be key as they seek to cultivate winning teams that resonate with fans and elevate the profile of cricket in the UK.

FAQs

What is The Hundred?

The Hundred is a professional 100-ball cricket tournament in England and Wales, featuring franchises representing various cities. It aims to attract new fans and showcase fast-paced cricket.

What experience does Kieron Pollard bring to MI London?

Kieron Pollard has played over 650 T20 matches, making him the most experienced player in the format. He has also served as an assistant coach for England and currently holds a coaching role with Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Who is Lisa Keightley?

Lisa Keightley is a former Australian cricketer and an experienced coach. She has previously led teams to success in women's cricket, including winning the title with Northern Superchargers in 2025.