Birmingham Phoenix name Shane Bond as their new Head Coach as he replaces fellow Kiwi Daniel Vettori for the role.
Birmingham Phoenix appoint Shane Bond as men’s head coach.
Shane Bond has been named head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix men’s team for a period of two years. Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, will replace his compatriot Daniel Vettori, who is expected to join the newly-rebranded Sunrisers Leeds as Andrew Flintoff’s successor.
Bond is a highly-rated coach within the franchise sector who has worked as an IPL bowling coach for the last decade, with both Mumbai Indians (2015-22) and Rajasthan Royals (from 2023). Additionally, he has head coaching expertise from the Sydney Thunder in the BBL and the Paarl Royals in the SA20.
His appointment represents the first significant shift at the Phoenix under their new ownership structure, in which Warwickshire and Knighthead Capital, an American financial corporation that also owns Birmingham City Football Club, jointly manage the team.
After Vettori left, James Thomas, who took over as performance director in June, became a pivotal figure at the Phoenix and oversaw the hiring of a new coach.
“We’re thrilled to appoint Shane as head coach,” Thomas said. “His elite coaching experience, proven success in global franchise leagues, and passion for player development will be a major asset.
“Throughout a competitive selection process, his vision, tactical insight, and ability to build high-performing environments really stood out. He understands the demands of modern franchise cricket and what it takes to perform at the highest level.”
“I know what it means to walk out onto the Edgbaston pitch and represent the people in the stands,” Bond said. “I want to instil that into our players and create an environment which breeds success… I want my team to play a fearless, exciting brand of cricket which ultimately delivers success for the Birmingham Phoenix.”