Due to family matters, former New Zealand batsman Stephen Fleming has resigned as head coach of the Southern Brave men’s squad in The Hundred. Fleming, who succeeded Mahela Jayawardene prior to the 2023 season, led the Brave to two straight knockout stages, including their final appearance the previous season.
Fleming has a long history with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), therefore his departure guarantees he won’t have any conflicts of interest. The GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, acquired Hampshire in 2023 and went on to become the largest shareholder of Southern Brave.
Stephen Fleming would have been forced to coach a squad that is half owned by a competing IPL team, which would have been challenging.
Increasing agreements between The Hundred franchisees and their host county clubs as part of the tournament’s continuous privatisation initiatives coincide with Fleming’s exit. The Southern Brave, who are affiliated with Hampshire, have selected Adi Birrell, the head coach of Hampshire, to succeed Fleming in 2025.
“I had a fantastic time working in the Hundred and with a fantastic team at Utilita Bowl during my tenure with the Southern Brave. I need to be able to spend more time at home this season for family reasons, but it’s hard to step down because we came very close to winning a few times. “I hope that everyone at Southern Brave has a great 2025,” Fleming said.
Southern Brave made a fantastic setting: White Giles
Birrell, meanwhile, brings a plethora of experience to his new position and has recently achieved success in franchise cricket, notably leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back SA20 crowns. The director of cricket for Hampshire and Southern Brave, Giles White, discussed Birrell’s hiring.
“Stephen provided the players with a great environment, and their time with us has been successful and pleasurable. White stated, “We are thrilled to have Adi Birrell take his place and are looking forward to watching him build on the team’s success in 2025.”
It is imperative that White and Birrell complete the Braves’ 2025 roster by February 24. Up to 11 players may be retained by a team, including one international signing and one key contract player. Elite international talent is anticipated to be drawn to The Hundred by the ECB’s announcement of a new top men’s salary of GBP 200,000.
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