Ali Maiden, who was England’s assistant coach during their 2017 ODI World Cup win, will leave Yorkshire’s men’s team at the end of the season to become the first head coach of Bears Women. Maiden has recently focused on the men’s game but was an assistant coach for London Spirit during their Hundred victory this year. Keen to return to women’s cricket, he will join the Bears, based at Edgbaston, on November 1 to prepare for the 2025 season.
Excitement for Women’s Cricket
“I’m hugely excited to be joining Bears Women,” Maiden said. “The club is clearly passionate about women’s cricket, building a successful team, and promoting the sport to more women and girls. I’ve been seeking an opportunity to return to women’s cricket, and this role feels like the perfect fit.”
The Bears’ Future in Women’s Cricket
The Bears, managed by Warwickshire, are one of eight ‘Tier 1’ teams that will compete in England’s new domestic structure for women’s cricket starting in 2025. Furthermore, Laura MacLeod will serve as their director of cricket, and the team has already secured five players: Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Chloe Brewer, Katie George, and Charis Pavely.
Farewell to Yorkshire
After three years with Yorkshire’s men’s team, where he worked closely with the batters, Maiden will depart. Yorkshire chair Colin Graves thanked Maiden for his contributions, saying, “Everyone at the club wishes Ali all the best in his future career and thanks him for his work at Yorkshire CCC over the last three seasons.”
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