In a move that showcases the evolving landscape of franchise cricket management, Tom Moody has declined Mumbai Indians’ offer to become Lucknow Super Giants’ Global Director of Cricket ahead of IPL 2026. The former Australian all-rounder’s decision wasn’t about money—it was about scope. While MI wanted to continue his existing Oval Invincibles role, LSG offered something bigger: oversight of three franchises across three continents. For a coach of Moody’s caliber and ambition, the choice became clear. This appointment marks his return to IPL after three years and signals LSG’s determination to build a championship-winning ecosystem under the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group umbrella.
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The Decision: Scope Over Sentiment
Mumbai Indians’ parent company, Reliance Industries Limited, acquired a 49% stake in Oval Invincibles earlier this year, naturally positioning them to retain Moody as Director of Cricket. The offer made sense—continue successful work with a franchise that just won its third successive Hundred title under his guidance.
But according to ESPNcricinfo, LSG’s proposition proved irresistible. The role encompasses:
- Lucknow Super Giants (IPL)
- Durban Super Giants (SA20)
- Manchester Originals (The Hundred – potential rebrand)
| Aspect | Mumbai Indians Offer | LSG Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Director of Cricket (Invincibles) | Global Director of Cricket |
| Scope | Single franchise | Multi-franchise (3 teams) |
| Geography | England (The Hundred) | India, South Africa, England |
| Leagues | 1 competition | 3 major T20 leagues |
| Strategic Influence | Limited to one team | Cross-continental strategy |
Understanding franchise cricket’s global expansion reveals why multi-team strategic roles represent the future of cricket administration.
Replacing Zaheer Khan’s Footprint
Moody steps into the role previously occupied by Zaheer Khan, who replaced Gautam Gambhir as LSG’s mentor. The former Indian fast bowler’s tenure didn’t produce expected results, with LSG finishing seventh in both 2024 and 2025 IPL seasons—disappointing performances for a franchise with championship aspirations.
This change signals LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka’s determination to overhaul the team’s strategic direction. While contract terms remain undisclosed, Moody’s appointment represents a philosophical shift toward global best practices and cross-pollination of ideas across RPSG’s cricket portfolio.
Moody’s Impressive Franchise Resume
The 59-year-old brings championship pedigree that few can match:
Sunrisers Hyderabad Success (2013-2019, 2021-2022)
- Head coach during their maiden IPL title (2016)
- Returned as Director of Cricket (2021-2022)
- Built team culture emphasizing bowling strength
Recent Achievements:
- Led Oval Invincibles to three consecutive Hundred titles
- Took Desert Vipers to ILT20 finals (2023, 2025)
- Proven ability to build winning cultures across formats
According to IPL coaching records, Moody’s strategic acumen and player development skills make him one of franchise cricket’s most sought-after minds.
LSG’s Coaching Conundrum
Moody inherits a team with infrastructure questions beyond just his appointment:
Current LSG Coaching Setup:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Justin Langer (future uncertain) |
| Strategic Advisor | Kane Williamson |
| Assistant Coaches | Lance Klusener, Vijay Dahiya, Rajat Bhatia |
| Bowling Coach | Bharat Arun |
| Spin Coach | Carl Crowe |
| Global Director | Tom Moody (replacing Zaheer Khan) |
The Yuvraj Factor: Reports suggest Yuvraj Singh might replace Justin Langer as head coach. While unconfirmed, Langer’s consecutive seventh-place finishes have raised questions about tactical direction and team chemistry. The former Australian opener’s intense coaching style may not mesh with LSG’s cultural needs.
What This Means for IPL 2026
Moody’s appointment signals LSG’s seriousness about transforming underperformance into championship contention. His global role allows cross-pollination of strategies—lessons from SA20’s aggressive approach, The Hundred’s tactical innovations, and IPL’s high-pressure environment can flow across all three franchises.
For MI, losing Moody represents a setback in their multi-franchise strategy, though their cricket brain trust remains formidable. The Mumbai Indians franchise model has succeeded with or without specific individuals, relying on systematic excellence.
The Broader Implications
Moody’s choice highlights how franchise cricket’s administrative landscape is professionalizing. Global director roles offer strategic influence beyond single-team limitations. Understanding modern cricket franchise management reveals how these positions shape competitive balance across leagues.
The RPSG Group’s approach—centralizing strategic oversight while allowing local autonomy—mirrors successful multi-club football ownership models. Moody becomes the connective tissue ensuring LSG, Durban Super Giants, and Manchester Originals share best practices while respecting local contexts.
The Bottom Line
Tom Moody’s decision to join LSG over MI wasn’t about rejecting one franchise for another—it was about embracing the future of cricket administration. In an era where successful organizations operate multiple franchises globally, coordinating strategy across teams provides competitive advantages beyond what single-franchise roles offer.
For LSG, securing Moody represents more than hiring a successful coach—it’s acquiring a proven builder of championship cultures with the vision to transform underachieving potential into sustained excellence. Whether Yuvraj Singh joins as head coach or Langer stays, Moody’s strategic oversight will shape LSG’s trajectory for years to come.
IPL 2026 just got more interesting. LSG isn’t just changing personnel—they’re reimagining their entire approach to winning.
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