Mahela Jayawardene steps down as Mumbai Indians head coach, appointed global head of performance

Zaheer Khan has also taken on a new role within the centralised Mumbai Indians structure after being appointed global head of cricket development

Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down as head coach of Mumbai Indians after being appointed global head of performance for the franchise.

In his new role, Jayawardene will oversee coaching and scouting at the three clubs operating under the Mumbai Indians banner, namely Mumbai Indians (IPL), MI Cape Town (SA20) and MI Emirates (ILT20).

Former director of cricket operations, Zaheer Khan, has also changed jobs in the reshuffle and will now serve as the franchise's global head of cricket development.

The new roles have been created as part of the franchise's vision to provide consistency across the "one family of teams" and create a centralised brand and structure.

Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in IPL history, winning five titles.

^{Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the IPL [Robert Cianflone/Getty Images]}

"It is an absolute honour for me to lead MI's global cricket operations. Mrs. Ambani and Akash's leadership and guidance have made MI the most valued global cricket franchise and I am very happy to see MI grow globally. I look forward to this new responsibility to build a strong cohesive global brand of cricket," said Jayawardene, who will oversee each team's coaching and support structures as well as the franchise's overall cricket operations.

Khan, meanwhile, will be responsible for player development and talent identification, a challenge he is relishing: "I am humbled to take on this new role and thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash for their faith in me.

"MI has been home for me as a player and as a coaching team member, and now as we embark on a new journey, I look ahead to working closely with all the stakeholders in the global network to unearth new potential that can join the family."

Franchise owner, Akash Ambani, added: "I'm happy to have Mahela and Zak as part of our global core team. Both have been an integral part of the MI family and embody the spirit of the cricket MI stands for. I'm confident that they would be able to ensure the same flows through all our teams globally and make a difference in the cricketing ecosystems across the globe."