Andhra cricket association appoints Gary Stead as head coach

Andhra Cricket Association has appointed former New Zealand coach Gary Stead as head coach for the senior men’s team in 2025-26, aiming to strengthen professionalism, culture, and grassroots cricket development

Hyderabad: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) appointed Gary Stead as head coach for the senior men’s team for the 2025-26 season.

Stead, who recently concluded a successful tenure with New Zealand Cricket, brings a wealth of experience, strategic acumen, and a proven track record of nurturing high-performance teams across formats.

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He played five Tests in 1999 for New Zealand before taking up coaching at the New Zealand Cricket High Performance Centre and later the New Zealand national women’s team in 2008. He went on to coach the New Zealand men’s team from 2018. The ACA expects his leadership to elevate its competitive edge and reinforce its commitment to excellence, professionalism, and grassroots development.

ACA President Kesineni Sivanath said Stead was not just a coach but a culture-builder. “His arrival signals our intent to raise the bar in talent development, tactical preparation, and operational discipline. ACA is thrilled to have him on board, and we’re confident his mentorship will inspire our players and coaches alike,” he said.

ACA Secretary Sana Satheesh Babu said Stead’s appointment marked a new chapter in Andhra cricket. “His global experience and values align perfectly with ACA’s vision of building a legacy rooted in integrity, performance, and inclusivity. We warmly welcome him to our cricketing family and look forward to a transformative season ahead,” he said.

Reflecting on the appointment, Stead said he was honoured to join the Andhra Cricket Association as head coach. “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,” he said.