Heather Knight Named London Spirit Women’s General Manager

Heather Knight has been named the first women’s general manager for London Spirit, stepping into a leadership role as she withdraws from playing in the 2026 Hundred season.

The new role will see Knight work closely with Mo Bobat, the director of cricket, to bring elite insight to the team’s women’s program.

Knight will continue to play domestic cricket for Somerset and will represent England on the international stage when not in front-office duties.

Since joining London Spirit at the league's inception in 2021, Knight served as captain for the first four editions and led the side to the 2024 title.

She missed The Hundred in 2025 due to a hamstring injury but stayed with the squad as a mentor and coach.

“I have loved my time with the franchise as a player and as a coach in last year’s edition, and I’m excited to work closely with Mo and the head coach in this new chapter for the women’s side,” Knight said.

“I remain fully committed to England and Somerset, but this is a major opportunity to grow beyond my on-field duties.”

Bobat added: “Heather’s deep knowledge of the women’s game and what it takes to perform at the highest level makes her ideal for our first women’s general manager role. She understands how to win The Hundred, and the team will benefit from having a current top player in such a strategic position.”

“It is also meaningful to support Heather in her long-term ambitions and career transition. I know how passionate she is about representing England and her country.”

Appointment at a glance

• Role: London Spirit women’s general manager
• Collaboration: works with Mo Bobat, director of cricket
• Playing status: continues to play for England and Somerset when not in front-office duties
• History: captain of London Spirit in editions 1–4, led team to the 2024 title

Expert view

Analysts say this move signals a new era for women’s cricket by elevating leadership roles within major franchises and aligning playing expertise with program strategy. Knight’s experience as a current international and franchise captain provides practical insight for day-to-day decisions.

Key takeaways

Knight’s transition marks a significant step for women’s leadership in Twenty20 cricket, creating a pathway for players to move into executive roles while continuing to compete at the highest level.

In summary, Knight will lead London Spirit’s women’s program from the front office while maintaining her playing commitments for England and Somerset, representing a broader trend toward player-led management in the sport.

She remains a central figure in English cricket and a strong advocate for the game's growth. Source: BBC Sport

The shift to a player-led leadership role for a major franchise highlights the evolving landscape of women’s cricket and the value of combining on-field experience with strategic leadership.

BBC Sport