Former England international to oversee MCC coaching strategy across all levels of the game
Ajmal Shahzad has been appointed as Head Coach of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), marking a return to Lord’s where he previously worked between 2019 and 2021. The former England international and county cricketer rejoins MCC after nearly five years with Derbyshire County Cricket Club as Assistant Coach and Bowling Lead.
In his new role, Shahzad will lead a team of coaches to deliver best-in-class coaching experiences, supporting player development from grassroots participation through to elite performance. His appointment comes as the MCC prepares to launch its new Cricket Strategy in early February and repositions the Lord’s Performance Centre as a world-leading hub for coaching and innovation.
Bringing playing and coaching experience back to Lord’s
Shahzad, who represented England in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and played county cricket for Yorkshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, and Sussex, retired from professional playing in 2017 to transition into coaching. His diverse experience, both on the field and on the sidelines, is expected to bring strategic leadership and technical excellence to MCC’s coaching programs.
He will oversee the operational and strategic aspects of all MCC coaching initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Club’s broader cricket development goals.
Ajmal Shahzad said: “I’m thrilled to be back at Lord’s and working with our talented group of coaches. I hope that with my experience in the professional game, both as a player and a coach, I can help make a difference across all levels of the game.”
MCC eyes global coaching excellence
Ricky Reynolds, Head of Programmes at MCC, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Ajmal back to MCC. As an experienced coach, coming from a background of having played the game at the highest level, he will be able to develop an elite coaching framework that supports player development.”
He continued: “With the recent rebranding of the Lord’s Performance Centre, we are seeking to ensure it is established as a world-leading hub for coaching, innovation and coach development, and this role will be central to that aim.”
The move underscores MCC’s commitment to innovation and excellence in cricket coaching as it looks to expand its influence in player and coach development worldwide.
