Kyle Mills: Former ICC world number one sets the pace for European Cricket

Kyle Mills is one of the most respected fast bowlers New Zealand cricket has produced. At his peak, he reached top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings in October 2009. It was the pinnacle of a career built on relentless skill, fierce competitiveness and an ability to perform when it mattered most.

He holds the all-time record for most wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy, with 28 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.25. He was the kind of bowler batsmen attempted to prepare for specifically: aggressive with the new ball, clever in the middle overs, and dangerous at the death. He featured in three World Cups for New Zealand in 2003, 2011 and 2015, and was a member of New Zealand's first ever T20I team.

When he retired from all forms of cricket in April 2015, he did so as one of the most decorated fast bowlers his country had ever sent onto a field.

But Kyle Mills' story did not end there.

After retiring, Mills built a second career as a coach, passing on the hard-won knowledge of a man who once stood at the very top of his craft.

Beyond the national setup, Mills took his expertise into the Indian T20 league. He was appointed as bowling coach for Kolkata side ahead of the 2020 season, working alongside the greatest coaches and players, in Kolkata, he worked closely with the franchise's young fast bowlers, helping shape one of the most exciting pace attacks in the competition.

The former Kiwi bowler also worked in Pakistan with the Lahore outfit in their franchise league as a bowling mentor. Aside from coaching Mills dabbled in broadcasting as well, as a commentator and analyst for SKY TV and co-hosts the Millsy & Guy show on Sport Nation.

Mills has remained deeply connected to cricket at every level, from grassroots development to elite performance, embodying the kind of transition from player to servant of the game that defines a cricketer of genuine substance.

In 2026, he joined the ETPL as co-owner of the Edinburgh Castle Rockers alongside fellow former Black Cap Nathan McCullum. The Castle Rockers have assembled a formidable squad, with Mitchell Santner confirmed as captain with Trent Boult and Liam Livingstone among the high-profile names signed up. 

For a man who spent his career hunting wickets at the highest level, Edinburgh represents a new kind of challenge, one built not around personal performance, but around building something lasting in a market the cricketing world is only just beginning to understand.