Cricket has now become a more complex sport than it was before. For the coaches, the job description has got longer. Apart from defining tactics and training players in their skills, coaches now also need to weigh in the baggage of the image cricketers come with. Of course, the stakes involved and the pressure to build a brand of cricket is always there. Hence, it is not a surprise that coaches earn well. In this article, we take a look at the five highest-paid international cricket coaches currently in world cricket.
5) Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – INR 1.7 Cr
After the retirement of legends such as Younis Khan, Pakistan cricket was in a spot of bother. However, as a captain and a batsman, Misbah-Ul-Haq helped the nation stay afloat. A few years after he hung up his boots, in 2019, the player was appointed as the Head Coach and Chief Selector of the Pakistan Cricket Team. A year later, in 2020, he resigned as the Chief Selector but held on to the position of Head Coach.
A holder of a degree in business management, Misbah’s main issue to address was the inconsistency of the team’s performance. Although victories against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have been sweet, losses to New Zealand and Australia have not done his record good. That said, under him, players like Mohammad Rizwan have stepped up, and there is a sense of core development. Misbah currently earns INR 1.7 crores per year for his services.
4) Mickey Arthur (Sri Lanka) – INR 3.44 Cr
South Africa’s Mickey Arthur has an attractive coaching resume with productive stints at South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. Although he initially joined Sri Lankan Cricket as a mentor, Arthur was later named as the Head Coach of the country.
With cricket declining in the island nation, it has been a tough assignment for the coach so far. Although there have been payment issues between the players and the board, the coach receives a handsome payment of $ 0.46 million per year.
3) Chris Silverwood (England) – INR 4.65 Cr
Trevor Bayliss was the coach when England lifted the World Cup in 2019. After the Ashes that followed after the WC, Chris Silverwood, the former English pacer, was appointed as the Head Coach of the country.
While in limited-overs cricket, England pulled off victories against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, in Tests, the team managed a series win away in South Africa. However, a loss in India has put a dent in Silverwood’s confidence. The home series against India, the Ashes and the World T20 will be a chance for him to redeem himself. The coach currently earns INR 4.65 crores to be at the helm of the English team.
2) Justin Langer (Australia) – INR 4.67 Cr
A great achiever as a player, Justin Langer had a lot on his plate when he had to replace Darren Lehmann in 2018. Lehmann had quit after the sandpaper gate, which had tarnished Australia‘s reputation. Earlier in 2016, Langer had a short stint as the interim coach of Australia.
While he first led the Aussies to the semis in the 2019 World Cup, he then helped the country retain the Ashes in England. A loss to a weakened Indian squad was a setback, but Langer has a few important tournaments this year to restore Australia’s dominance. The former left-handed opener has a contract worth INR 4.67 crores per year for his services.
1) Ravi Shastri (India) – INR 9.5 Cr
Being the coach of the Indian Cricket Team is one of the toughest jobs in the game. There is immense pressure and non-stop scrutiny. Hired by the richest cricket board on the planet, India’s Head Coach Ravi Shastri tops the list of highest-paid international cricket coaches with a salary of almost INR 9.5 crores per annum.
Initially appointed as the team’s director in 2014, Shastri was in the role for two years. Then, after Anil Kumble stepped down from the Coach’s post, Shastri was appointed as the Head Coach in 2017. During the 2019 World Cup, his contract was extended by 45 days. Then, in the same year, he was re-appointed as the Head Coach for two more years. Under Shastri, Team India has got Test wins in Australia and reached a couple of ICC finals. However, a major trophy has eluded him so far.
