The Sydney Sixers are proud to announce that Australian cricket great and former Sixers star Lisa Sthalekar has been appointed as the new T20 Youth Academy Director, leading the program into an exciting new era of player development.
Recognised as one of Australia’s finest all‑rounders and an ICC Hall of Fame inductee, Sthalekar enjoyed a decorated international career, representing Australia in four World Cup winning teams.
Across her career, she became the first woman globally to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals.
Since retiring, she has remained a prominent figure in cricket as a commentator, coach, administrator and passionate advocate for the growth of the women’s and youth game.
Notably, Sthalekar currently serves as President of the World Cricketers’ Association, is a Board Member of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, and sits on the ICC Women’s Committee.
The T20 Youth Academy Director plays a central leadership role in shaping the Sydney Sixers’ T20 Youth Academy Program, guiding its long‑term strategy and ensuring the Club’s coaching frameworks, player development pathways and on‑field philosophies align with the Sixers’ vision for excellence.
With a strong and consistent presence across Academy programs, and in close partnership with Century Cricket, Sthalekar will oversee the progression of young players through tailored and age‑appropriate training programs.
She will also mentor and manage the Academy’s coaching panel to ensure excellence and alignment across all levels.
Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachael Haynes said she was thrilled to welcome a past club legend into the role.
“Sthalekar’s extensive experience both on and off the field makes her the perfect candidate to shape and lead the T20 Youth Academy as Director,” Haynes said.
“In her role, Lisa will oversee the progression of players, shape training programs and mentor our team of coaches working with Academy participants.
“The Sydney Sixers are proud to continue fostering the connection between grassroots and the elite level of the game, and having Lisa’s knowledge and experience at the helm of the T20 Youth Academy will only strengthen that pathway.”
Sydney Sixers T20 Academy Director Lisa Sthalekar said she was looking forward to the opportunity to work with tomorrow's generation of cricketers.
“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of Sixers T20 Academy Director,” Sthalekar said.
“As a former player and someone who has spent much of my life immersed in the game, it’s a privilege to help guide and nurture the next generation of cricketers at such a pivotal stage in their development.
“T20 cricket is an exciting format, where there is a lot more thought put into approach and performance.
"Within our program, we expose players to different ways of thinking about the game so they can bring out their best.
“I’m looking forward to shaping the Academy’s direction and working closely with our coaches and athletes to build an environment that inspires growth, demands excellence and lays strong foundations for long‑term success.
“Ultimately, the goal is to one day see a player running out for one of our Sixers teams who has come through this pathway program.”
Registrations for the T20 Academy are limited. To register, please visit our website.