The London Spirit have confirmed the appointment of Mo Bobat as their new Director of Cricket, with the former England Men’s Performance Director officially starting his role on October 1, 2025. Currently serving as Director of Cricket at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bobat will bring his wealth of experience in talent development, high-performance systems, and franchise cricket to the Spirit setup.
His arrival marks the first major leadership change under London Spirit’s new ownership structure, as the franchise looks to prepare for a transformative 2026 season of The Hundred.
A New Era for London Spirit Under Private Ownership
Bobat’s appointment comes as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pushes forward with its plan to transition all eight Hundred franchises into private ownership. London Spirit will now operate under a 51% stake held by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)—the historic guardians of Lord’s—and a 49% stake owned by US-based technology investment firm Tech Titans.
The combination of traditional cricket heritage and innovative corporate backing is expected to shape a bold future for the team. While a rebrand is already in the works for early 2026, the franchise will retain the London Spirit name for the upcoming season.
Julian Metherell, chairman of London Spirit, underlined the significance of this moment:
“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. At the same time, retaining the London Spirit name reflects our belief in the identity that’s been built—one that resonates with the capital, our fans, and our values.”
Mo Bobat’s Track Record in High-Performance Cricket
Bobat is one of the most respected figures in modern cricket administration. During his tenure as England Men’s Performance Director, he oversaw the ECB’s player development pathways, playing a key role in building squads that achieved international success across formats, including England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph and the 2022 T20 World Cup victory.
In recent years, Bobat has brought his expertise to the IPL as Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he has been instrumental in player recruitment, performance strategy, and building long-term competitiveness.
Speaking about his new challenge at London Spirit, Bobat expressed enthusiasm for both the cricketing and commercial opportunities:
“It’s an honour to join London Spirit at such an exciting time. 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.”
What Bobat’s Appointment Means for The Hundred
The Hundred has quickly become one of the most watched and talked-about cricket leagues in the UK, combining fast-paced 100-ball cricket with a franchise model designed to attract new audiences. London Spirit, based at Lord’s Cricket Ground, are one of the tournament’s flagship teams.
Bobat’s experience in both English domestic cricket and international franchise competitions could give the Spirit a competitive edge in player recruitment, data-driven performance analysis, and talent nurturing. His background suggests a likely focus on:
Blending experienced internationals with emerging domestic stars
Innovative coaching and training methods
Maximizing home advantage at Lord’s
Strategic squad building for sustained success
Ownership Synergy: MCC Meets Tech Titans
The partnership between MCC and Tech Titans is being touted as one of the most interesting ownership models in The Hundred’s new era. On one side, MCC offers centuries of cricket heritage, strong fan connections, and the global prestige of Lord’s. On the other, Tech Titans bring cutting-edge analytics, global sports business expertise, and digital engagement strategies.
For Bobat, this dual structure could provide the perfect environment to integrate tradition with innovation—key to succeeding in a competition that is as much about entertainment and audience growth as it is about on-field performance.
London Spirit’s Journey So Far
Since the inception of The Hundred in 2021, London Spirit have experienced mixed results. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, they have yet to establish themselves as consistent title contenders.
With 2026 marking a new chapter—new leadership, private investment, and a pending rebrand—fans will be hoping that Bobat’s leadership can turn potential into silverware. The combination of world-class coaching staff, targeted recruitment, and a clear cricketing philosophy could be the catalyst the team needs to challenge for The Hundred title.
Looking Ahead to The Hundred 2026 Season
Bobat officially takes charge in October 2025, giving him several months to assess the squad, plan recruitment strategies, and put in place the support structures required for sustained success. The Hundred’s short but intense format means that preparation, squad depth, and tactical clarity are essential from day one.
London Spirit’s first season under Bobat will also be closely watched as a case study for the ECB’s private ownership model, which is expected to attract more investment, international talent, and global attention to the league.
Final Thoughts
The appointment of Mo Bobat as Director of Cricket at London Spirit represents more than just a personnel change—it signals the start of a bold new chapter for the franchise and The Hundred as a whole. With the backing of MCC’s heritage and Tech Titans’ innovation, Bobat has the platform to build a winning culture both on and off the field.
As the 2026 season approaches, Spirit fans will be eager to see how his expertise translates into performances, results, and perhaps, the first Hundred trophy for the club. One thing is certain: under Mo Bobat, London Spirit are aiming high.
