Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Saturday announced the appointment of Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) winning coach Luke Williams as the new head coach of its women’s team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Williams will replace Ben Sawyer in the role at the franchise. Under Sawyer, the RCB women’s team finished at fourth place in the five-team inaugural edition of WPL, managing to win just two of their eight league games.
“I am thrilled to have been provided this opportunity with RCB and can’t wait to get started with the team’s preparations for the second season of the WPL. I look forward to working with a playing group that will host a number of the most exciting players in Indian and world cricket as we look to bring a bold and exciting style of play and success to our huge and passionate fan base,” said Williams in a statement.
Williams, 43, represented South Australia from 2000-2005 in first-class cricket.
In his four-season tenure as the head coach of Adelaide Strikers, Williams guided the side to their first WBBL title in the 2022-2023 season.
“I extend a heartfelt welcome to Luke Williams as he takes the reins of the RCB women’s team. With his expertise and leadership, our goal is to embody the spirit of Royal Challengers Bangalore, to play bold and embark on a journey filled with determination, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, aiming to make our fans and supporters proud,” said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of RCB.
Williams was also a part of Southern Brave in the Women’s Hundred Championship as its assistant coach and guided them to its first-ever title.
Notably, it is the third change the Bengaluru-based franchise have made to their coaching unit after signinh Andy Flower, who had coached Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) last season, as the men’s head coach in place of Sanjay Bangar, after the side failed to enter IPL 2023 playoffs.
Earlier on Friday, RCB had announced that Mo Bobat as their new director of cricket after being England Men’s performance director for 12 years.