After being named as head coach of Mumbai franchise in the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL), former England captain Charlotte Edwards said she is looking forward to working alongside legendary India pacer Jhulan Goswami and former Indian all-rounder Devieka Palshikaar.
On Sunday, the franchise, operated by owners of Mumbai Indians, announced that Charlotte will be the head coach, while Jhulan will be taking up dual roles of bowling coach and mentor. Devieka, on the other hand, will serve as the side's batting coach in the all-female coaching staff.
"I am overjoyed and honoured to be joining the MI One family as their new Women's Head Coach. I'd like to express my gratitude to the Mumbai Indians' management for this fantastic opportunity at such an exciting time for women's cricket. I am excited to collaborate with Jhulan, Devieka, and others "Charlotte said in a video message posted on the franchise's social media accounts.
Charlotte is widely regarded as one of the greatest female cricketers of all time. In her 20-year career, she has led England to Women's ODI and T20 World Cup victories in 2009. Charlotte was a prolific right-handed batter for England, appearing in 23 Tests, 191 ODIs, and 95 T20Is.
Charlotte has held head coaching positions with the Southern Vipers (three titles), the Southern Brave (two runners-up finishes in The Hundred), the Adelaide Strikers (assistant coach), and the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL (runners-up in the 2022/23 season).
"We will collaborate closely to understand the MI culture, ethos, and how to play the MI way. We want players to perform to their full potential while also providing them with a platform to grow and succeed, as the Mumbai Indians are known for. I'm excited to get started, "Charlotte also contributed.
She was appointed an MBE in 2009 and a CBE in 2014 by the Order of the British Empire, and she has received numerous awards and accolades as a player and coach, including the 2008 ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year award. Charlotte was named after the English women's T20 domestic competition, and she was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2022.
The inaugural season of the WPL, which will feature 22 matches, is set to begin in March of this year. According to multiple reports, the player auction will take place on February 13 in Mumbai.