Top international coach Gary Stead to lead Andhra men’s cricket team

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Cricket Association (ACA) has officially appointed Gary Stead, one of the world’s most accomplished cricket coaches, as the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s Team.

New Zealand’s North Star

Stead, who famously guided New Zealand to historic highs, including the 2021 World Test Championship triumph, will now bring his expertise to Andhra ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season.

World ranking in cricket leadership

At 53, Stead, widely regarded as a multi-skilled coach, will now be training Andhra Pradesh’s young cricketers with his niche skills.

During his tenure with New Zealand, he guided the team to multiple finals and victories, including the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the 2021 T20 World Cup final, and the 2025 Champions Trophy final.

He further etched his name in history by masterminding New Zealand’s 3-0 clean sweep of India in a Test series last year. His arrival in Andhra is being hailed as a massive boost for the state’s cricketing ambitions.

Raising the bar for AP sports

The ACA revealed that onboarding Stead took over three months of careful negotiations, led by ACA Honorary President MP Kesineni Sivanath and Honorary Secretary MP Sana Satheesh Babu.

Speaking of his joining, MP Kesineni Sivanath said, “Gary Stead is not just a coach, he is a culture-builder. His arrival shows our intent to raise the bar for Andhra cricket and nurture young talent with world-class training.”

To this, MP Sana Satheesh Babu, Secretary ACA, added, “Gary’s appointment marks a new chapter for Andhra. His global experience and values align perfectly with ACA’s vision of creating a legacy of performance and integrity.”

‘Andhra’s commitment to cricket resonates with me’

Expressing his excitement, Stead said, “I’m honoured to join the Andhra Cricket Association as the Head Coach of the Senior Men’s team for the 2025–26 season. The passion for cricket here is palpable, and ACA’s commitment to legacy and development resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working closely with the players, support staff, and leadership to build a team that competes with heart and purpose.”

Andhra youth are eagerly waiting to give their best shot

The development is being seen as a significant opportunity for the youth of Andhra Pradesh, giving aspiring cricketers the chance to learn under one of the finest minds in world cricket.

Fans across the State are upbeat, calling the move a bold step that could transform Andhra into a serious contender on the domestic stage.