The Vital Role of Coaches in International Cricket
Explore the significance of cricket coaches, their impact on team performance, and a comparative analysis of salaries of coaches from various international teams.
Cricket is indeed a team game where 11 players on the field need to come together as a unit to emerge victorious. While some players are assigned to score runs, others have the responsibility of taking wickets with the ball. At the same time, all players must contribute in the field by taking catches and effecting run-outs.
However, there are more than 11 players involved in a team’s success. A coach is also critical to the team’s performance as he has to analyze players and bring the best out of them. While the captain takes charge on the field, the coach reduces his burden in other departments like making strategies, selecting the playing XI, etc.
As the coaches have been players themselves, they use their valuable experience to guide the youngsters in the team. However, having knowledge of the game isn’t just enough to become a potent coach. Nowadays, mentors need to be good man managers to keep the players in a positive frame of mind. Hence, they are paid handsomely for taking the pressure and delivering the desired results.
1. Zimbabwe, Lalchand Rajput – INR 36.7 Lakhs ($49,240)
Zimbabwe, never a powerhouse in world cricket, has struggled in recent years. However, the board officials have trusted Lalchand Rajput to enhance the side’s performance. The former Indian cricketer took over from Heath Streak in 2018, bringing substantial coaching experience. Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe's fortunes haven't significantly improved. Rajput earns $49,240 annually from the Zimbabwe cricket board.
2. West Indies, Phil Simmons – INR 64.5 Lakhs ($90,000)
West Indies cricket has experienced challenges in forming a cohesive unit. Phil Simmons, appointed head coach in 2019, has done commendable work, including series victories against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. His primary focus is guiding West Indies to the T20 World Cup title. Simmons earns $90,000 annually from Cricket West Indies (CWI).
3. South Africa, Mark Boucher – INR 1.05 Crore ($150,000)
Mark Boucher, one of the finest wicket-keepers, became South Africa's head coach after their disappointing 2019 World Cup campaign. He has worked tirelessly to improve the Proteas team, attempting to bring back AB de Villiers from retirement. Boucher earns $150,000 annually from Cricket South Africa.
4. Bangladesh, Russell Domingo – INR 1.29 Crore ($184,000)
Russell Domingo, appointed head coach of Bangladesh in 2019, has a wealth of coaching experience. Under his guidance, Bangladesh has achieved notable victories against West Indies and Sri Lanka. Domingo earns $184,000 annually from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
5. New Zealand, Gary Stead – INR 1.73 Crore ($250,000)
Gary Stead has significantly contributed to New Zealand's cricketing success. Under his leadership, the Kiwis advanced to the 2019 World Cup final and qualified for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final. Stead earns $250,000 annually from New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
6. Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq – INR 1.79 Crore ($240,000)
Misbah-ul-Haq, appointed as head coach in 2019, has navigated Pakistan through various series victories against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Despite some controversies, Misbah has been reasonably successful and earns $240,000 annually from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
7. Sri Lanka, Mickey Arthur – INR 3.44 Crore ($460,000)
Mickey Arthur, a successful coach globally, mentors the Sri Lankan team. His tenure has been challenging due to the team's instability, but he continues to strive for improvement. Arthur earns $460,000 annually from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
8. England, Chris Silverwood – INR 4.65 Crore ($600,000)
Chris Silverwood, appointed head coach of England in 2019, has maintained the team's dominance in white-ball cricket. Despite some setbacks, Silverwood aims to guide England to further success. He earns $600,000 annually from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
9. Australia, Justin Langer – INR 4.67 Crore ($610,000)
Justin Langer, a legendary Australian opener, took over as head coach in 2018. He has successfully led Australia through numerous victories, including the 2019 World Cup semi-finals. Langer earns $610,000 annually from Cricket Australia (CA).
10. India, Ravi Shastri – INR 9.5 – 10 Crore ($1.25 - $1.32 million)
Ravi Shastri, India's head coach, receives the highest salary among cricket coaches. Since his appointment in 2017, India has excelled across formats, achieving significant victories globally. Shastri earns between $1.25 and $1.32 million annually from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The role of a cricket coach is pivotal in shaping a team's success. From strategy formulation to player management, coaches bear significant responsibility. The varying salaries reflect the different challenges and expectations associated with each team. Despite the pressures, these coaches continue to strive for excellence, guiding their teams to new heights in international cricket.
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