Mumbai Indians promote Zaheer Khan, and Mahela Jayawardene to global roles

Zaheer Khan and Mahela Jayawardena have risen Mumbai Indians to newer heights (PC: Twitter)

In a sudden development, the Mumbai Indians franchise have promoted head coach Mahela Jayawardene and bowling coach Zaheer Khan to global roles, moving them out of the Indian Premier League bubble.

MI-franchisee owners Reliance recently acquired teams — MI Emirates and MI Cape Town — in UAE-based International League T20 (ILT20) and Cricket South Africa organized SA20, respectively.

Jayawardene has been appointed as the Global Head of Performance MI and will lead cricketing operations worldwide. This could potentially mean a new head coach for the Mumbai-based franchise in the upcoming IPL 2023 edition.

Zaheer has been appointed Global Head of Cricket Development and is responsible for nurturing and developing young and upcoming players across the system.

Jayawardene sounded delighted with his new role.

“It is an absolute honour for me to lead MI’s global cricket operations. Mrs. Ambani and Akash’s leadership and guidance have made MI the most valued global cricket franchise and I am very happy to see MI grow globally. I look forward to this new responsibility to build a strong cohesive global brand of cricket," 

Zaheer, too, looked forward to seeing things unfold in his new capacity within the MI family

“I am humbled to take on this new role and thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash for their faith in me. MI has been home for me as a player and as a coaching team member, and now as we embark on a new journey, I look ahead to working closely with all the stakeholders in the global network to unearth new potential that can join the family,”

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