The Sharjah Warriorz have officially appointed 65-year-old Adrian Birrell as their head coach ahead of the fifth season of the ILT20. Birrell, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, is currently serving as the head coach for Sunrisers Leeds in the Women's Hundred and previously enjoyed significant success leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three SA20 titles.
Reflecting on his new position, Birrell expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming campaign. He stated that he is delighted to join the Sharjah Warriorz and looks forward to working with the talented group of players and support staff. According to the new head coach, the primary objective for the team is to foster a strong culture, uphold high standards, and instill a winning mindset across the entire squad.
Birrell's coaching career includes a notable tenure with Ireland from 2002 to 2007, during which he guided the team to the Super Eight stage of the World Cup in the West Indies. He also served five years as an assistant coach for South Africa between 2013 and 2017. As a player, Birrell represented Eastern Province in South Africa from 1984-85 through 1997-98, scoring 1480 runs and claiming 75 wickets with his legbreaks in 45 first-class matches.
The Sharjah Warriorz are looking for a fresh start after finishing last in the 2025-26 ILT20 season, a competition they have yet to win. The fifth season of the tournament is scheduled to run from November 22 to December 20, having been shifted to an earlier window than in previous years.
Last month, former Netherlands batter and former India batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate had been appointed head of cricket strategy at the Knight Riders Group, which owns, among other teams, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20.
