Shane Bond has been hired by the Birmingham Phoenix as their new men’s head coach for a two-year term. The former New Zealand fast bowler will take over for fellow countryman Daniel Vettori, who will succeed Andrew Flintoff at the recently renamed Sunrisers Leeds.
Shane Bond offers a plethora of expertise to the position as a highly renowned coach in the international franchise circuit. He has been an IPL bowling coach for almost ten years, having worked with the Rajasthan Royals (since 2023) and Mumbai Indians (2015–2022). He has also served as head coach of the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Paarl Royals in the SA20.
With the Birmingham Phoenix being jointly controlled by Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital, the American financial corporation that also owns Birmingham City Football Club, his appointment marks the first significant change to the team’s ownership structure.
James Thomas, who took over as performance director in June, was instrumental in the hiring process when Vettori left and has since become a key player in the franchise’s overall strategy.
“Shane Bond appointment as head coach makes us very happy.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Thomas stated, “His outstanding coaching background, track record of success in international franchise leagues, and enthusiasm for player development will be a huge asset.”
“His vision, tactical acumen, and capacity to create high-performing workplaces truly stood out during a competitive selection process. He is aware of the pressures of contemporary franchise cricket and what it takes to be the best,” he continued.
Shane Bond took 12 wickets in four games during his brief tenure as an overseas player for Warwickshire in 2002. He claimed that he had a close bond with the club and Birmingham as a result of his experience.
“I understand what it’s like to represent the fans in the stands by walking onto the Edgbaston pitch. I wish to instill that in our players and cultivate an atmosphere that encourages achievement. Shane Bond stated, “I want my team to play an exciting, fearless style of cricket that eventually leads to success for the Birmingham Phoenix.”
Following Vettori’s international acquisitions of Trent Boult, Adam Milne, and Tim Southee previous season, Shane Bond arrival further solidifies Birmingham Phoenix’s ties to New Zealand. Because teams are only permitted to retain a maximum of four players in addition to new acquisitions prior to the first auction in March, it is still unknown which of these players will return for the 2026 campaign.
Significant coaching changes have already occurred in the men’s Hundred as new investors make their stamp on the competition. Tom Moody left Oval Invincibles for a global position with the Lucknow Super Giants (including the Manchester franchise), Andy Flower left the Trent Rockets for London Spirit, and Flintoff left Sunrisers after turning down a new contract.
In the next few days, Vettori is anticipated to be officially announced as Flintoff’s replacement. Adi Birrell, a former Hampshire coach who led the Southern Brave men in 2025, will take over as Sunrisers women’s coach.
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