Paul Farbrace has been appointed as Lancashire’s new director of cricket, succeeding Mark Chilton amid a critical period for the club following a challenging season. The former England assistant coach is set to take up his role at Old Trafford before the end of the year, charged with overseeing a comprehensive overhaul of Lancashire’s cricket operations, including both the men’s and women’s teams, as well as the academies and pathway programmes.
Lancashire endured their lowest finish in the County Championship’s 136-year history, concluding the season second from bottom in Division Two with only two victories from 14 matches. The women’s side also struggled through a difficult summer, contributing to growing dissatisfaction among supporters and club members. Both head coaches responsible for the men’s and women’s teams departed last month, creating an opportunity for fresh leadership and restructuring.
Farbrace, 59, brings a wealth of experience spanning men’s and women’s cricket at domestic and international levels. He coached England’s limited-overs teams as part of Trevor Bayliss’s staff from 2015 to 2019, during which England achieved notable success. Prior to that, he was head coach of England Women from 1999 to 2001 and led Sri Lanka to victory in the 2014 T20 World Cup as their head coach. His domestic credentials include serving as sporting director at Warwickshire during their 2021 County Championship-winning campaign and a four-year tenure as Sussex head coach.
His appointment is the first significant decision by Lancashire’s new chief executive, Richard Kenyon, who took over earlier this month. Kenyon highlighted Farbrace’s comprehensive understanding of the club’s current situation and the wider cricketing landscape as key factors in the decision. “Paul brings significant experience across the men’s and women’s game, as well as an excellent track record of success,” Kenyon said. He emphasized the need for an established and capable leader to guide Lancashire towards a more competitive future.
Farbrace acknowledged the considerable challenges ahead but expressed enthusiasm for the role. “I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “I look forward to playing my part in helping Lancashire challenge for trophies and to develop teams that the members and supporters can be very proud of.”
The move marks the end of Farbrace’s spell at Sussex, where he had been expected to assume a part-time director of cricket role. During his time there, he guided the club to third place in Division One of the County Championship last season despite a 12-point deduction resulting from financial issues. Sussex is currently undergoing its own transition, having appointed Matt Walker as head coach and facing a reduction in playing budgets, with several key players departing.
Farbrace’s arrival signals a commitment from Lancashire to address internal challenges and rebuild their cricketing structure with the aim of restoring pride and competitiveness at the historic county club.