‘Time to move on’ – Birrell set for Hampshire exit

Hampshire men’s head coach Adrian Birrell will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 64-year-old South African joined the club in 2019 and won the T20 Blast with the Hawks in 2022.

“It’s really sad when you move on and I’ve had a fantastic seven years,” Birrell told BBC Radio Solent.

The former Ireland and England U-19 head coach added: “This is a fantastically talented group of young players that will need a new coach to come in with a fantastic energy and take them forward.

“I have a farm, family and kids at home [in South Africa] and I don’t get to see them. It’s a really selfish decision and we decided as a team it was time for change.”

Birrell secured three third-place finishes in the County Championship with the club finishing runners-up in 2024.

In the white-ball game he has made it to finals day on four occasions, and on Saturday he has the chance to win a second T20 Blast title with the club.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White told the club website: “All good things come to an end, and we are sad to see Adi go.

“It’s been a fantastic seven years at the club, during which he has become a hugely popular figure and overseen a successful period across all formats.

“Under his leadership, the team has reached numerous finals, come close in Championships, and lifted the Blast title in 2022.