New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) During the landmark Women’s Hundred auction, where unprecedented amounts were traded and players took center stage, MI London head coach Lisa Keightley distinguished herself as the sole woman in a coaching capacity.

Boasting significant experience guiding teams in Australia, England, and franchises within the Women’s Big Bash and the Women's Premier League, Keightley is well-versed in high-stakes scenarios. However, the lack of additional female head coaches was glaring as the auction progressed.

“Things are evolving rapidly, aren’t they? The three dominant nations—India, England, and Australia—are cultivating intensely competitive T20 leagues, which is propelling the women's cricket landscape and pay equity forward. While we’re not there yet, we’re definitely progressing, and that’s encouraging,” Keightley shared with ESPNcricinfo.

“My only disappointment is looking around and realizing that I’m the only female head coach here. I am waving the flag and hoping we’ll see more women in coaching positions in cricket as we advance.”

“That said, we do have some female coaches on international teams, and I genuinely hope many coaching staffs incorporate female coaches into their setups. From that perspective, we are making strides, but it’s disheartening to be the only female coach in the room, to be honest,” she continued.

Prominent figures from women’s cricket were present in supportive roles, including Sarah Taylor, who acted as an assistant coach for the Manchester Super Giants, and Anya Shrubsole, who assisted the Southern Brave. Shrubsole, a former England bowler, has been enhancing her coaching qualifications through positions such as player-coach under Charlotte Edwards at the Southern Vipers and as a bowling coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore during their WPL-winning campaign.

Keightley’s coaching journey spans multiple countries and franchises, including Perth Scorchers, Sydney Thunder, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians (in WPL), and Northern Superchargers. She successfully guided the Northern Superchargers to clinch the 2025 Women’s Hundred title before the team transitioned to Superchargers Leeds under new ownership. Her vast experience positions her as a mentor for women aspiring to achieve head-coaching roles.

“As women, we often doubt our readiness and settle for assistant roles, but the only way to step up is to seize opportunities when they arise,” she advised. “If someone offers you a head coach position, don’t hesitate. Embrace the challenge, be courageous, surround yourself with capable people, and you will succeed.”

Keightley remains realistic about the gradual pace of change, acknowledging that it will take time for more women to secure head coaching positions worldwide.

“It’s a complex issue,” she commented. “Change will come with time, as players reintegrate into the system, gain opportunities, and navigate their journeys, hopefully progressing further.”

“This is a distinct environment we are in, but it’s a level playing field. You should not earn a position without putting in the hard work and earning respect as a coach across different competitions and franchises. Let’s observe how things evolve in the next five years.”