Mo Bobat, currently serving as the performance director for the England men’s team, has officially been appointed as the new director of cricket for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He is set to depart from the England and Wales Cricket Board in February 2024.
Over the past four years, the 40-year-old Bobat has overseen the development of the England Men’s pathway. His efforts in identifying and nurturing players have significantly contributed to the team’s triumphs in World Cups across both the 50-over and 20-over formats. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing their Test performances, working in tandem with the captain-coach duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Bobat’s association with the ECB dates back to 2011 when he initially managed the England Men’s U19s program. In 2016, he assumed the role of the ECB’s inaugural Player Identification Lead.
Having previously collaborated with RCB in a consultancy capacity, Bobat shares a longstanding professional rapport with Andy Flower, who is now the head coach of RCB. This partnership, forged during their tenure at the ECB, is set to be rekindled in preparation for the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
“I’ve had the most amazing 12 years at the ECB and it’s been both an honour and a privilege to have spent the last four years as Performance Director. Supporting our efforts towards multiple Ashes campaigns and World Cups has quite literally been the stuff of dreams,”
Bobat said following the development.
Rob Key, the Managing Director of the England Men’s team, expressed mixed sentiments about the news and described it as a “bittersweet” development. He acknowledged that he will miss the collaborative efforts with a vital ally in the ECB’s backroom team.
With Bobat’s appointment, RCB now boasts an entirely international backroom staff, including figures like Flower, Adam Griffith (bowling), Freddie Wilde (analyst), and Evan Speechly (physio).
