10 Jobs In Cricket If You Don't Know How to Play

In the rhythmic cadence of the cricket field, where the crack of the bat and the thunderous applause of the crowd create a symphony of sportsmanship, there exists a realm beyond the boundary ropes, an arena where cricket aficionados can thrive even if they’ve never wielded a bat or bowled a ball. In the enthralling tapestry of cricketing careers, where every stitch is a testament to passion and expertise, there are roles that transcend the physical demands of the game. From strategic masterminds orchestrating game plans to eloquent wordsmiths capturing the essence of cricket in prose, the world of cricket offers a plethora of opportunities for those who may not boast a textbook cover drive but harbor an unwavering love for the gentleman’s game. Let’s explore the myriad paths that lead to a fulfilling career in cricket for those who, perhaps, find their true calling beyond the pitch.

1. Umpire

Becoming an umpire in the world of cricket is a promising and rewarding career choice.

Skill Requirement: You need to have a robust grasp of cricket’s laws, impeccable decision-making prowess, outstanding communication abilities, a capacity to stay composed in high-pressure situations, and a profound comprehension of the game’s intricacies. Moreover, acquiring essential qualifications, notably certification from the International Cricket Council (ICC), is pivotal for advancing your career.
Job Requirement: Umpires play a pivotal role in ensuring impartiality, fair play, and adherence to cricket’s laws. They serve as the game’s referees, making crucial real-time judgments.
Formal Education: Start by registering with your state association for one of the umpiring courses they offer. Some private academies also provide courses. These courses typically last about a week and include both theory and practical exams, leading to certification. Refer to the following links for umpiring courses around the globe:
Salary: Richard Kettleborough in ODI ($3000), Test ($5000), T20I ($1500), ICC ($3000), Annual Earnings ($100000)
Popular Umpires: Renowned cricketers, such as Kumar Dharmasena and Marais Erasmus.

2. Commentator

This choice is favored because it enables cricketers to become the game’s spokesperson.

Skill Requirement: To become a cricket commentator, you must possess in-depth knowledge of the game, including its technicalities and terminology. Your proficiency in either local languages or English, along with a solid grasp of cricket jargon, is essential, with a particular emphasis on spoken language skills.
Job Requirement: A cricket commentator ensures that the broadcast of cricket matches remains captivating and engrossing for the audience. They inform viewers about the ongoing developments in a cricket match, such as the scores of both teams, wicket-takers, and details about boundaries like sixes and fours.
Formal Education: Typically, a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication serves as the baseline qualification for aspiring sports commentators. Furthermore, undergoing voice or speech training is essential to cultivate an appealing vocal delivery.
Salary: Sanjay Manjarekar bags an annual salary of $1 million from ESPN Star Sports. Sky Sports pays Ian Bishop a whopping annual salary of $9,00,000.
Popular Commentators: Tony Greig, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Sourav Ganguly, Sunil Gavaskar, Brett Lee, Harsha Bhogle, Danny Morrison, VVS Luxman, Ian Bishop, and Sanjay Manjerakar.

3. Coach

Some players choose to pass on their acquired skills to young aspiring cricketers by becoming coaches.

Skill Requirement: To become a cricket coach, it’s beneficial to have played the game at some level, although being a great player is not a prerequisite for becoming an effective coach. The qualifications necessary for an ICC head coach are as follows:
- A recognized Level 3 cricket coaching certification (at minimum) or its equivalent.
- Possession of an undergraduate degree, preferably in fields like sports science, teaching, or coaching.
- A minimum of 8 years coaching experience in cricket, having worked with players up to the representative level.
- Proficiency in crafting, formulating, and executing coaching programs and initiatives.
- Ideally, holding a valid First Aid certification.
- Exceptional abilities in communication and presentation.
- A high level of proficiency in computer skills.
- Acquired knowledge and familiarity with contemporary cricket coaching technologies.
Job Requirement: Lead and supervise both group coaching sessions and one-on-one coaching sessions for players spanning diverse age groups.
Formal Education: A coach should have relevant qualifications such as a degree, diploma, or certificate in physical education or cricket-specific certifications. National boards in countries like England and Australia, as well as the International Cricket Council (ICC), organize popular training programs for each certification level, often open to candidates from other countries.
Salary: Rahul Dravid $1.17 million annually, Andrew McDonald $1 million annually, Brendon McCullum $650000 annually, Mickey Arthur $480000 annually.
Popular Coaches: Rahul Dravid, Shane Warne, Jacques Kallis, and Gary Kirsten

4. Scorer

If you can’t tear your eyes away from the action on a cricket field, a career as a cricket scorer might be perfect for you.

Skill Requirement: A cricket scorer needs a good understanding of the game’s rules, accuracy in recording runs and wickets, basic computer skills, and effective communication. Practical experience is crucial, and certification may be required in some countries.
Job Requirement: A cricket scorer is responsible for recording runs, wickets, and overs bowled in the game of cricket.
Formal Education: Reach out to your local cricket association, be it at the district or state level, and express your interest in becoming a scorer. When they announce course openings through newspaper ads or their website, sign up. Typically, these courses run for 3-4 days and culminate in an exam that covers both theory and practical aspects.
Salary: Average annual salary is $3370

5. Sports Physio

Another promising path that combines higher education, a curious mindset, and a love for sports is sports physiotherapy.

Skill Requirement: Sports physiotherapists require in-depth medical knowledge, time management skills, and an understanding of different sports. They also need excellent communication, patience, and counseling abilities to work effectively with athletes, and a solid grasp of human anatomy and physiology to make informed treatment decisions.
Job Requirement: Sports physiotherapy involves collaborating with athletes and coaches to prevent injuries in the first place and conducting research on training, injuries, and overall wellness.
Formal Education: This specialization is available to students after completing a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in physiotherapy. Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP), provide certifications in sports physiotherapy in India. To work as a sports physiotherapist in England, you’ll need to have an up-to-date registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and membership in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP). Additionally, you should hold current accreditation in Advanced Trauma Management and Emergency Care.
Salary: The average salary for a Sports Physiotherapist in Australia is $52307 and in India, it is 9625 USD.
Popular Sports Physio: Nitin Patel (India), Glen Rae (England)

6. Curator

Consider pursuing a career as a Ground and Pitch Curator, which has gained significant prestige in recent times.

Skill Requirement: You should possess over a decade of cricket curator experience, including 5-7 years at an international facility, with turf grass qualifications and expertise in various cricket pitches for working at the Dubai International Stadium.
Job Requirement: A Ground and Pitch Curator will have to ensure match-day readiness at the stadium, including staff scheduling and pitch maintenance in compliance with ICC standards. This involves pre-match setup, communication with match officials, and managing playing surfaces, outfields, and landscapes. It also includes producing cricket pitch plans and implementing modern turf maintenance technology. Operating and maintaining various turf equipment, overseeing practice facility setup, and ensuring equipment safety are also key duties.
Formal Education: The Criiio Cricket Programme offers an online Pitch Curators Facilitator Training Course. It covers key topics like pitch preparation, maintenance, soil management, and more. To find out if this course is available in your country and for additional training options, contact your National Governing Body (NGB). For further information navigate to the following link.
Salary: Indian curators earn approximately $600 per month.
Popular Curators: Sunil Chauhan, Michael Hylton, Steve Bricks, Brett Sipthorpe, Chris Scott

7. Statistican

A sports statistician is a specialized data scientist focused on the collection and analysis of sports-related data.

Skill Requirement: They need to be proficient in using advanced mathematical and statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, probability theory, and machine learning. Knowledge of tools like R, Python, and Excel can also be beneficial.
Job Requirement: Their scope of work encompasses various aspects, including tracking game scores, monitoring trends in national team roster selections, and evaluating individual player performance statistics.
Formal Education: To become a sports statistician, start by earning a bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, or related fields, with a focus on statistics coursework. Consider pursuing a master’s degree for advanced training, as many employers prefer it. Master’s programs typically take about two years and provide in-depth statistical education.
Salary: Average yearly salary is $97297
Popular Statisticans: Mohandas Menon, Andy Zaltzman, Umang Pabri, Sampath, Seervi Bharath, Rajneesh Gupta

8. Analyst

The next time someone questions your cricket-watching habits, you can explain that you’re honing your skills to become a cricket analyst.

Skill Requirement: To excel as a Cricket Analyst, you must cultivate strong data analytical skills, gain in-depth knowledge of cricket, communicate effectively with the team, and employ data visualization techniques. Earning a degree or certificate in Sports Analysis is typically recommended to meet educational prerequisites.
Job Requirement: A cricket analyst’s main role is to evaluate team performance, using data analysis to uncover areas for improvement that may go unnoticed. They collaborate closely with the coach, using tools like Excel and presentation software. Their tasks include identifying player strengths and weaknesses, optimizing strategies, and scouting new talent.
Formal Education: Top analysts often hold Master’s and PhD degrees in data science, analytics, or statistics. A background in computer science or engineering can also open up opportunities, even in the private sector. Some universities offer graduate courses in sports analytics.
Salary: In the United States, the salary range for a Cricket Analyst job typically falls between $57,266 and $69,782 per year.
Popular Analyst: Saurabh Walkar, Gaurav Gangwal

9. Cricket Journalist

Sharing your passion for cricket through blogs, podcasts, or social media platforms like YouTube or Snapchat can be a rewarding endeavor. This can eventually lead to a career in cricket journalism.

Skill Requirement: Whether you choose to write in English or your preferred language, accuracy and fairness in your content are essential. It’s also beneficial to study the work of established cricket journalists and connect with them for guidance.
Job Requirement: Cricket bloggers and journalists are expected to engage and inform followers through their writings and commentary.
Formal Education: While a journalism degree is not mandatory for writing roles, effective communication is essential.
Salary: Approximately $49000 annually in the USA.
Popular Cricket Journalists: Mark Nicholas, Jonathan Agnew, Peter Roebuck, Michael Atherton, Richie Benaud.

10. Operation Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing various behind-the-scenes tasks for the team, including handling expenses, utilities, and other logistical matters.

Skill Requirement: Need to exhibit precision and meticulous attention to detail, demonstrate sound judgment, and have the capacity to establish and nurture productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
Job Requirement: Their role involves coordinating player transportation and overseeing financial matters, ensuring that the team’s operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Salary: The estimated average annual salary for an Operations Manager at the West Indies Cricket Board is approximately $111,877 per year.
Popular Operation Managers: Ayush Mudgal, Craig Afonso

Conclusion

Cricket isn’t just a game for the players on the field; it’s a world of exciting careers for those who love the sport but may not have the skills to play professionally. So, whether you’re crunching numbers or crafting captivating stories, remember that cricket has a place for everyone, allowing you to be part of its thrilling journey, irrespective of your playing ability.