Ali Maiden named Bears women head coach, set to leave Yorkshire's men

Ali Maiden, England's assistant coach, when they won the 2017 ODI World Cup, will leave Yorkshire's men at the end of the season after his appointment as the first head coach of Bears women.

Maiden has predominantly been working in the men's game in recent years but was an assistant coach to Ashley Noffke when London Spirit won the Hundred this year, and said he had been actively seeking a return to the women's game. He will join the Bears - who are based at Edgbaston - on November 1 and begin preparations for the 2025 season.

"I'm hugely excited to be joining Bears Women at the start," Maiden said. "I've spoken to several people at the club and it's clear they're passionate about women's cricket, forming a successful side, and encouraging more women and girls into the sport. I've had various coaching and head coach roles and been looking for an opportunity to get back into women's cricket."

The Bears - who are run by Warwickshire - are one of eight 'Tier 1' sides who will compete in England's new domestic structure for women's cricket from 2025. Laura MacLeod will be their director of cricket and they have confirmed the signings of five players: Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Chloe Brewer, Katie George and Charis Pavely.

Maiden will leave Yorkshire's men at the end of the season after three years in his role, working closely with their batters. Colin Graves, their chair, said: "Everyone at the club wishes Ali all the best in his future career and thank him for his contribution to Yorkshire CCC over the last three seasons."