Sharjah Warriorz appoint Adrian Birrell as head coach ahead of ILT20 season 5

Sharjah Warriorz have appointed Adrian Birrell as the team's new Head Coach ahead of the ILT20 Season 5, scheduled to be played from 22 November to 20 December 2026. Birrell joins the Warriorz to usher in a new era for the team as they set their sights on winning their maiden title.

He is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in modern franchise cricket, having an exceptional record of leading teams to championship titles. Birrell guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three SA20 titles, making them the most successful franchise in the league. Speaking on his appointment, he expressed his excitement to work with the Sharjah Warriorz squad.

He put special emphasis on building a strong team culture and instilling a winning mindset heading into the upcoming season.

"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. Our objective will be to create a strong team culture, maintain high standards and instil a winning mindset among everyone,” said Birrell in a media release.

Birrell's record as coach at international level

Birrell has also enjoyed immense success on the international stage. He famously guided Ireland to the Super Eight stage in the 2007 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup after their historic victory over Pakistan and later also served as assistant coach of the South African national team. He also enjoyed a successful seven-year stint as Head Coach of Hampshire in English county cricket, adding to his vast coaching credentials.

Birrell's appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Sharjah Warriorz, with the franchise heading into Season 5 with renewed ambition and a clear objective of winning the championship.