Munaf Patel Joins Seattle Orcas as Bowling Coach for MLC

Former Indian cricketer and 2011 World Cup-winning pacer, Munaf Patel, has joined the Seattle Orcas as their new bowling coach in Major League Cricket (MLC). 

The team made the announcement on Instagram with the caption: “A World Cup-winning pacer to guide our bowlers — Munaf Patel is our new bowling coach .”

Born on July 12, 1983, in Ikhar, Gujarat, Patel made his mark on the cricketing world with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball in both directions. He first caught the eye of cricket experts in 2003 when he was invited to train at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. Under the guidance of Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee and with support from cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Patel was signed by Mumbai without having played first-class cricket for Gujarat.

Patel made his Test debut in 2006 against England at Mohali, where he showcased his ability to swing the ball both ways and recorded impressive figures of 7/97, including 4/25 in the second innings. Throughout his career, he was known for his control and consistency, often clocking speeds over 85 mph (137 km/h), with occasional deliveries touching 90 mph (140 km/h).

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Patel began his journey with the Rajasthan Royals in 2008, where he played a crucial role in the team’s title-winning campaign by taking 14 wickets. He later joined the Mumbai Indians, where he enjoyed his best season in 2011, claiming 22 wickets, including a memorable 5/21 against Kings XI Punjab.

Although his IPL journey had its ups and downs, including a brief stint with the Gujarat Lions in 2017, Patel remained a respected figure in Indian cricket, officially announcing his retirement from the sport in November 2018.

Patel’s crowning achievement came in 2011 when he was part of the Indian squad that lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup. He made significant contributions throughout the tournament, including taking four wickets in India's opening match against Bangladesh and playing a crucial role in the semifinal against Pakistan. His catch to dismiss Kevin Pietersen in the group stage match against England remains a memorable moment from the tournament. After the World Cup, Patel continued to represent India until 2011, when he played his last international match during a tour of England.

After retiring from active cricket, Patel ventured into coaching. In 2025, he was appointed as the bowling coach for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. His new role with the Seattle Orcas marks his first major coaching assignment in Major League Cricket.

The Seattle Orcas are one of the six inaugural franchises in Major League Cricket, announced in 2023. The team is based in the Seattle metropolitan area, with Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington, serving as their planned home ground. Owned by a group of investors, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, the Orcas have already made a name for themselves as a promising team in American cricket.

The franchise also has a minor league affiliate, the Seattle Thunderbolts, who won the Minor League Cricket championship in 2022.