2026-10-29 · Major update · IPL Guide newsroom
THE ANNOUNCEMENT — Mumbai Indians announced on Thursday 29 October 2026 that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson will be moving on from their respective roles in the men's team coaching set-up. The franchise thanked all three for their commitment, contribution and service, and wished them well in their future endeavours.
MALINGA'S MI STORY — Malinga remains one of the most iconic figures in Mumbai Indians' history. As a player he took 170 wickets in 122 appearances for MI between 2009 and 2019, spearheaded the bowling attack in four IPL title triumphs and the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 victory, and later returned as a mentor and coach. MI said his passion, competitive spirit and commitment inspired generations of players.
MHAMBREY AND HOPKINSON — Paras Mhambrey shared a long association with Mumbai Indians, first from 2010 to 2017 and subsequently returning in 2024, bringing experience and a deep understanding of the MI culture to developing the team's bowling talent. Carl Hopkinson joined Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2025 season, bringing international experience from his time with the England men's team, and was valued for his professionalism and work on improving the team's fielding standards.
THE OVERHAUL — The departures come days after Kieron Pollard took over as head coach on 24 October 2026, succeeding Mahela Jayawardene, and follow a disappointing 2026 campaign in which MI finished ninth and missed the playoffs. Reuters notes MI have now missed the playoffs in four of the last six seasons. MI have not publicly stated individual reasons for the three departures.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT — Pollard's reshaped coaching staff now faces its first major task: the retention lists due on 15 November 2026, ahead of the mini-auction on 16 December 2026 at ITC Grand Goa. See the MI squad page and the Pollard head-coach update on this site for the context these departures sit in. No player squad change is involved in this announcement, so no team squad page changes in this rebuild.
Sources: Mumbai Indians official site, 'Mumbai Indians thank Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson for their contributions', 29 October 2026 (https://www.mumbaiindians.com/news/mumbai-indians-thank-lasith-malinga-paras-mhambrey-and-carl-hopkinson-for-their-contributions); Reuters, 'Mumbai Indians part ways with Malinga, Mhambrey, Hopkinson in support staff overhaul', 29 October 2026 (https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/mumbai-indians-part-ways-with-malinga-mhambrey-hopkinson-support-staff-overhaul-2026-10-29/).
Mumbai Indians announced on 29 October 2026 that Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey and Carl Hopkinson are leaving the men's team coaching set-up, continuing the overhaul that began with Kieron Pollard's appointment as head coach.
Official IPL/BCCI and franchise announcements first, then reputable reporting such as ESPNcricinfo. This post names its sources at the bottom, and unconfirmed items in it are labelled 'reported'.