New Delhi, 3 December (H.S.): Former Western Australia head coach Adam Voges has been appointed as the new head coach of Seattle Orcas ahead of the next Major League Cricket (MLC) season. Voges replaces Australian coach Matthew Mott, who was dismissed after the team suffered five consecutive losses last season.

Voges recently announced that he would step down as Western Australia’s head coach at the end of the ongoing domestic season, fueling speculation about his move to a franchise role overseas.Expressing excitement over the new opportunity, Voges said through the franchise, “I am thrilled to join the Seattle Orcas. MLC is growing steadily, and my goal is to help the team succeed both on and off the field.”

Since succeeding Justin Langer in 2018, Voges has guided Western Australia to remarkable success, securing multiple domestic titles. Many consider him a strong contender to eventually replace current Australia head coach Andrew McDonald, whose contract runs until 2027 but is not expected to seek an extension.

Voges also brings coaching experience from his time with Australia A and the national setup, along with franchise exposure as an assistant coach for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred.Meanwhile, discussions are underway within Western Australia Cricket to retain Voges as head coach of its Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, Perth Scorchers.

Under his leadership, the Scorchers clinched the BBL 11 and BBL 12 titles. As a player, Voges had also led the team to two championships.With Voges’ departure, Beau Casson and Tim Macdonald are emerging as leading contenders for the Western Australia head coach role.

Averaging 61.87 in 20 Test matches, Voges now faces the challenge of reviving the Orcas, who finished with just four wins from 17 matches in the 2024–25 season after reaching the final in 2023.Seattle Orcas’ chairman Hemant Dua said, “We are delighted to welcome Adam Voges. He brings a proven record of success, exceptional player development skills, and deep tactical understanding of T20 franchise cricket.

His calm leadership and strategic insight will be invaluable in guiding the team back to title contention.”The Seattle Orcas franchise is co-owned by GMR Group and JSW Sports, who also jointly own the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and WPL, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, and Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar