Mark Boucher Returns to Mumbai Indians Franchise, Named MI Emirates Head Coach for ILT20 2026
Mark Boucher, the former South Africa international and championship-winning coach, has been officially appointed as the new head coach for MI Emirates for the DP World ILT20 2026 season today, September 30, 2026. Boucher brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached Mumbai Indians in the IPL and led MI New York to the MLC 2025 title.
MI Emirates have announced the appointment of acclaimed South African coach Mark Boucher as their new head coach for the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) 2026 season, effective today. Boucher, a familiar face within the Mumbai Indians' global cricket family, takes over the reins from former India all-rounder Robin Singh, who previously held the position as head coach for ILT20 2024 and 2025 seasons. IPL 2027 Mini-Auction to Take Place in Goa on December 15â16.
Mark Boucher Named MI Emirates Head Coach for ILT20 2026
A winnerâs mindset, a builderâs ambition, a championâs heartđ
Welcoming our Head Coach Mark Boucher đŞ
Read more: https://t.co/rXhuWkaNn3#MIEmirates #OneFamily pic.twitter.com/KbXt2J6RFK
â MI Emirates (@MIEmirates) September 30, 2026
A Proven Coaching Pedigree
Boucher's appointment to the MI Emirates leadership role underscores his successful track record within the MI ecosystem. He previously served as the head coach for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Following his tenure with the IPL side, Boucher moved to Major League Cricket (MLC), where he guided MI New York to a championship title in 2025, showcasing his ability to build and lead winning teams.
His coaching journey also includes a significant stint as the head coach of the South Africa national cricket team from 2019 to 2022, where he achieved 11 Test wins, 12 ODI victories, and 23 T20I triumphs. Before his national role, Boucher led the Titans, a prominent South African domestic franchise, to five domestic titles.
MI Emirates' Ambitions in ILT20 2026
MI Emirates, the sister franchise of five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians, have established themselves as a formidable force in the ILT20. The team lifted the coveted trophy in the 2024 edition of the tournament and finished as runners-up in the most recent 2025/26 season, losing a closely contested final to the Desert Vipers. Zaheer Khan Named CSK's Head Coach for IPL 2027.
The franchise expressed their enthusiasm for Boucher's arrival, with their official channels stating: "A winner's mindset, a builder's ambition, a champion's heart. Welcoming our Head Coach Mark Boucher." This sentiment highlights the high expectations placed on Boucher to continue the team's strong performance and potentially reclaim the ILT20 title.
MI Emirates Recent ILT20 Performance
| Season | Result |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Champions |
| 2025/26 | Runners-up |
Boucher's extensive experience and championship-winning mentality with MI New York are expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed vigour to the MI Emirates squad as they prepare for the DP World ILT20 2026 season, aiming to build on their past successes and secure another title.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 04:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
