Shane Bond appointed as Birmingham Phoenix Men's head coach
Birmingham Phoenix have announced the appointment of Shane Bond (pictured) as the men’s head coach on a two-year contract.
The former New Zealand fast bowler will replace countryman Dan Vettori, who left the Phoenix at the end of the 2025 season, and will lead the men’s team into an exciting new era of The Hundred.
The 50-year-old made 120 international appearances for New Zealand, as well as enjoying a brief County Championship stint with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in 2002, and since retiring has built a strong track record in coaching, particularly in franchise cricket.
He started his coaching career by taking up the role of bowling coach for the New Zealand national team, before moving to the IPL’s Mumbai Indians in 2015.
He helped them to four IPL titles in his eight years as bowling coach, when he then moved to the Rajasthan Royals as assistant coach in 2023.
The former Bear has further experience in franchise cricket across the world, having held the head coach position for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, the GT20 Canada’s Brampton Wolves and the Paarl Royals in the SA20, as well as assistant coach for the Brisbane Heat and the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.
He will also be assistant coach/bowling coach for the Gulf Giants in the upcoming ILT20, which begins next month.
James Thomas, Birmingham Phoenix performance director, said: “We’re thrilled to appoint Shane as head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix Men’s team.
“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.
"We will now work with Shane to structure the wider support team and continue to build on our player recruitment strategy ahead of next season.'
Bond said: “I would firstly like to thank James, Stuart and their team for giving me the opportunity to become Birmingham Phoenix head coach. It is a true honour and something I will never take for granted.
“I have a strong connection to the Club and the City of Birmingham following my time with the Bears earlier in my career, and I know what it means to walk out onto the Edgbaston pitch and represent the people in the stands. I want to instil that into our players and create an environment which breeds success.
“The Phoenix’s philosophy and values both on and off the pitch align perfectly with my own and I want my team to play a fearless, exciting brand of cricket which ultimately delivers success for the Birmingham Phoenix.”
The Birmingham Phoenix Men’s wider coaching structure will be announced in due course.
