Head Coach, Birmingham Phoenix
Ali’s career pathway was not a well-trodden one; he selected Durham University to study archaeology, as much for the coaching and mentorship, available there with former England batsman, Graeme ‘Foxy’ Fowler, as for gaining a degree.
But there was no subsequent progression for the batter from University and Minor Counties’ cricket. It was enjoyable enough but not career defining. However, stints coaching kids for the University and then – properly qualified – Durham CCC Academy brought the lightbulb moment into view…he would be a cricket coach!
“It was fantastic. There was phenomenal talent, a production line bringing through the likes of Stokes, Wood, Borthwick, Carse and Jennings. I was also doing batting sessions at Loughborough for the Women’s national squad, including Charlotte Edwards and Sarah Taylor.”
Eureka! In 2017 England Head Coach Mark Robinson invited Maiden to join him in Sri Lanka for the Women’s World Cup. It was virtually an interview on the job, and a successful one too – England won the trophy, and Ali was offered a permanent coaching role.
After Covid he answered Otis Gibson’s call to become batting coach at Yorkshire – “How could I say no?” – and helped a “fabulous group of staff and players” to promotion in 2024. For good measure he played his part in London Spirit’s successful Women’s One Hundred campaign. A season later he is now Birmingham Phoenix Women’s Head Coach in the same competition.
Relaxed and honest, Ali’s engaging style had us hooked, evidenced by a lengthy Q & A that was both frank and intriguing.