Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have replaced Mike Hesson with former ECB official MO Bobat as their director of cricket for IPL 2024. He will leave the England and Wales Cricket Board in February next year to join RCB.
For the past four years, Bobat, 40, has been in charge of the England Men’s pathway. During that time, he has helped the team win World Cups in the 50-over and 20-over formats and revived their Test fortunes under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
He has been employed by the ECB since 2011, starting overseeing the England Men’s Under-19s program. In 2016, he was named the organization’s first Player Identification Lead.
Rob Key, England Men’s managing director, described the news as “bittersweet”, and acknowledged that he would miss working with a key ally in the ECB’s back-room team.
“This is a bittersweet moment for me personally because while I am delighted that Mo has been given an unbelievable opportunity, it marks the end of probably the most enjoyable partnership of any career I have had. When I first arrived at the ECB 18 months ago, Mo was the guiding hand that allowed me to get my feet under the table and to get on with my role. I have absolutely no doubt I would have drowned without his support and expertise.
All anyone ever wants is to have an impact in whatever they do, and Mo can look back and see that he’s not only impacted English cricket but impacted England cricketers. I wish him all the best,” he was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Bobat has previously worked with RCB on a consultancy basis and has a long-standing relationship with Andy Flower, RCB’s new head coach.
Mo Bobat Has Already Proved What He Can Do: RCB Official
Mo Bobat’s appointment completes a fully overseas back-room staff at RCB, alongside Flower, Adam Griffith (bowling), Freddie Wilde (analyst), and Evan Speechly (physio). Prathmesh Mishra, RCB’s chairman, said that he looked forward to seeing how Bobat’s England influence would translate to RCB’s playing style.
RCB finished sixth in IPL 2023 and made the playoffs in three seasons before that (2020 to 2022) but are still chasing their maiden IPL title.
“I’ve had the most amazing 12 years at the ECB and it’s been both an honour and a privilege to have spent the last four years as Performance Director. Supporting our efforts towards multiple Ashes campaigns and World Cups has quite literally been the stuff of dreams.
I’ll be forever grateful for all of the opportunities and support that I received over the years and will carry with me many special memories, shared achievements and friendships. I’d specifically like to thank Rob Key for showing me so much trust over the last 18 months. When the time comes, I’ll leave with the heaviest of hearts,” Bobat said.
RCB appoints Mo Bobat as the Director of Cricket for IPL. 🚨
Bobat has served England Cricket as their Performance Director since 2019, and has been a part of the ECB set up for 12 years, during which England lifted the T20I and ODI World Cups. 🏆
Bobat has also worked very… pic.twitter.com/Q61k6WgNPI
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) September 29, 2023