Former WBBL title-winning captain Kirby Short named head of female cricket at Victoria

Former WBBL (Women's Big Bash League) title-winning captain Kirby Short transitions into a high performance role after serving as a broadcaster and Queensland Cricket director. Short has now been appointed as Cricket Victoria's new head of female cricket.

The 38-year-old captained Brisbane Heat Women to back-to-back WBBL titles in 2018-19 and 2019-20 and played 67 matches in the tournament as a premier spin-bowling all-rounder. She scored 945 runs in 54 innings, scoring three half-centuries. Short also led Queensland Fire in a storied career in the WNCL (Women's National Cricket League). She takes over as Victoria's new head of female cricket under general manager of high performance Graham Manou after Sharelle McMahon resigned from the job last year to return to netball in a high performance role.

Short called time on his playing career in 2020 but has remained in the sport as a director with Queensland Cricket and a commentator with Fox Sports and Channel Seven. Despite being a Queenslander, Short said she is excited to join Victoria, where she has a family connection.

"My grandfather, Mick Harvey grew up in Fitzroy and was a proud Victorian, so it seems very fitting that I have the privilege of contributing to the advancement of women's cricket in this state. Victoria has a rich history in the sport, and I'm eager to take on this new challenge in Melbourne, working with the talented players and dedicated staff to build on that legacy," Short was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Manou welcomed Kirby into the setup, highlighting her leadership acumen and experience. He hoped that her addition would help improve the standards of women's cricket in Victoria.

"We're pleased to welcome Kirby to Cricket Victoria for what is a critical role in our cricket performance program. Kirby's leadership qualities, combined with her extensive experience in elite cricket, will be invaluable as we continue to invest in and elevate women's cricket in our state," he said.