WPL: Jonathan Batty, Lisa Keightley, Hemlata Kala, and Biju George join the coaching staff of the Delhi Capitals.

Jonathan Batty, a former Surrey, Gloucestershire, and Northampton shire wicketkeeper-batsman, has been hired by Delhi Capitals as their head coach for the first Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Hemlata Kala, a former India international, and Lisa Keightley, a former Australian cricketer with extensive coaching experience, have been designated assistant coaches. And Biju George, who has worked with the India women’s squad in the past, has been appointed fielding coach. He is also the men’s fielding coach for the Capitals.

Jonathan Batty has significant coaching expertise with women’s cricket.

In 2021 and 2022, he led Oval Invincibles to victory in the women’s Hundred. He has also served as the head coach of Melbourne Stars in the WBBL and the Surrey women’s team.

“It’s a great time to be involved in Women’s cricket, and the WPL has the potential to revolutionise the worldwide landscape of women’s professional sport,” said Batty in a statement.

Kala has played seven Tests, 78 ODIs, and one T20I, and has previously served as chief selector for women. She stated of the player auction, “I am looking forward to assembling our squad for the inaugural event, which I am convinced will be a game-changer for women’s cricket.”

In his decade-long career, Keightley played nine Tests, 82 ODIs, and one T20I. He is currently the head coach of the Sydney Thunder. Prior to her resignation in August of last year, she led England to the 2022 ODI World Cup final. She was previously the head coach of the Perth Scorchers.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Delhi Capitals and to collaborate with so many international players and staff members,” she stated. “WPL is a game-changer for women’s sports worldwide, and we have the chance to introduce cricket to a new audience.”

The player auction before the inaugural WPL will be conducted in Mumbai on February 13, and the event will run from March 4 to March 26. All matches will be place in Mumbai.