Adrian Birrell Appointed Sharjah Warriorz Head Coach Ahead of ILT20 Season

Sharjah Warriorz have appointed experienced South African coach Adrian Birrell as their new head coach ahead of the upcoming International League T20 (ILT20) season.

Birrell, 65, brings extensive international and franchise coaching experience to the Warriorz. He is best known for his successful spell as Ireland head coach between 2002 and 2007, a period that included Ireland's memorable run to the Super Eight stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

The South African later served as an assistant coach with the national team from 2013 to 2017 before moving into franchise cricket, where he established himself as one of the most successful coaches in the format.

Birrell has enjoyed particular success with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, guiding the franchise to three SA20 titles. He is also currently involved in The Hundred, where he is in charge of Sunrisers Leeds in the women's competition.

Speaking after his appointment, Birrell expressed his excitement about taking charge of Sharjah Warriorz.

“I am delighted to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz ahead of the upcoming ILT20 season. I am excited to work with this talented group of players and support staff as we build a new campaign.”

Birrell said his primary focus would be on building a strong team culture and developing a winning mentality within the squad.

“Our objective will be to create a strong team culture, maintain high standards and instill a winning mindset among everyone.”

Before beginning his coaching career, Birrell enjoyed a playing career with Eastern Province in South Africa between 1984-85 and 1997-98. He scored 1,480 runs in 45 first-class matches and also claimed 75 wickets with his leg-spin bowling.

Birrell takes charge of a Sharjah Warriorz side looking to make a significant turnaround. The franchise finished at the bottom of the ILT20 standings in the 2025-26 season and are still searching for their first title in the competition.

The fifth season of the ILT20 is scheduled to take place from November 22 to December 20, with matches being staged across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The tournament has been brought forward from its traditional window.

The appointment comes amid a series of coaching and strategic changes within the Knight Riders Group, which owns Sharjah Warriorz as well as the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Former Netherlands batter and former India batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate was appointed head of cricket strategy at the Knight Riders Group last month.

With Birrell's experience of international and franchise cricket, Sharjah Warriorz will hope his arrival can help transform their fortunes and give the team a stronger challenge in the upcoming ILT20 season.