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Mo Bobat Appointed as London Spirit Director of Cricket Ahead of 2026 Season
Former England Performance Director Joins London Spirit
London Spirit have confirmed the appointment of Mo Bobat as their new Director of Cricket, marking the first major leadership change under the team’s fresh ownership structure. The experienced cricket administrator will officially assume his duties on October 1, 2025, ahead of the 2026 edition of The Hundred.
Bobat, who currently serves as the Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), previously held the role of England Men’s Performance Director with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Known for his talent identification skills, long-term cricketing vision, and ability to develop winning cultures, Bobat’s arrival is expected to set the tone for London Spirit’s next chapter.
Spirit Enter New Ownership Era
London Spirit are transitioning into a new era following the ECB’s confirmation that all eight The Hundred teams will now operate under private ownership. Under the new arrangement, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) will retain a controlling 51% stake, while the US-based tech investment group Tech Titans will hold the remaining 49%.
This significant ownership change opens new commercial and sporting opportunities for the franchise. The team will continue to compete as London Spirit through the 2025 season, with a full brand refresh planned for early 2026 to align with its renewed vision.
For a detailed breakdown of The Hundred’s new private ownership model, read our full explainer on the ECB’s restructuring of the competition.
Bobat’s Vision for London Spirit
Building a Winning Culture On and Off the Field
Speaking after his appointment, Bobat expressed his enthusiasm for the role, calling it “an honour” to lead London Spirit during such a pivotal period.
“The opportunity to shape the cricketing future of this franchise, working with MCC and our new partners, the Tech Titans, is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to building something special – on and off the field,” Bobat said.
His focus will not only be on strengthening the squad with top domestic and international talent but also on fostering a high-performance environment that inspires younger players and engages the team’s growing fan base.
Leadership Backing from the Board
London Spirit chairman Julian Metherell welcomed Bobat’s arrival, praising his cricketing expertise and leadership credentials.
“Today marks a significant moment for London Spirit. Mo Bobat brings unmatched expertise and vision to the role of Director of Cricket, and we’re thrilled to welcome him,” Metherell stated.
He further emphasised that keeping the London Spirit name is a deliberate choice that reflects the brand’s identity, connection to the capital, and commitment to its fans.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With the new ownership model in place, an experienced Director of Cricket at the helm, and a rebranding on the horizon, London Spirit are positioning themselves for long-term success. The franchise aims to blend tradition with innovation, using its MCC heritage and the Tech Titans’ resources to drive both sporting excellence and fan engagement.
Cricket enthusiasts will be watching closely as Bobat begins shaping the team ahead of the next season of The Hundred, where London Spirit will aim to challenge for the title.
For more insights on London Spirit’s past performances and team news, check out in-depth Hundred cricket coverage.
