Cricket is more than a sport in cricketing nations like India. Fans flock to tournaments, idolise their favorite players, and eat, breathe, and sleep the sport. Youngsters dream of a cricket career, but not everyone is born with the skill and talent that can take them into the national (or even regional) team. The good news is that cricket enthusiasts can still build a career in the industry by picking non-playing roles.

Surprisingly, there are more options in these roles than you imagine. The best part about them is that you get a chance to be in the middle of the excitement and earn a handsome income. Not to mention, you can explore lucrative growth prospects or switch to different roles at any point in your career. Here is a list of non-playing careers, job roles, and prospects for young professionals looking to pursue their passion in the sport.

Skills Trainer

As a skills trainer, you can coach cricketers to hone their skills and abilities to give their best in the field. You can start in the role as a fresher or bring your experience as a seasoned player no longer performing in the field.

Job Roles

• Bowling coach
• Batting coach
• Fielding coach

Career Prospects

You can work as a private coach, working at the grassroots level with small academies and local teams. With the right experience, you may even reach state or national teams or establish your own academy.

Salaries

Salaries for skills trainers in India vary by qualifications, experience, and workplace. Coaches working with academies and local teams can earn from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month. Salaries may reach ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per month for those coaching state-level players, while international-level trainers can earn more than ₹10 lakhs per month. Private coaching also makes a lucrative earning source.

Strength And Conditioning Coach

Another coaching role is that of strength and conditioning coach. These professionals ensure that players are physically fit for the rigors of the sport. They offer holistic fitness advice and guidance for players to navigate the field.

Job Role

• Fitness trainer
• Team fitness coach
• Rehabilitation specialist
• Mental conditioning coach

Career Prospects

A strength and conditioning coach can work with cricketers and teams at various levels, from individuals to domestic teams to academies and national teams.

Salaries

Salaries for the role vary according to individual experience and the level of the team you train. At the domestic level, you can earn from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh per month. IPL coaches have significantly higher payouts between ₹5 lakhs and ₹15 lakhs for a season. National team positions are the most lucrative, paying salaries of ₹20 lakhs per year or more. You can even supplement of income through private training sessions.

Sports Analyst

Sports Analyst is a compelling role for people who love numbers and are passionate about cricket. The role entails an in-depth analysis of data, statistics, and performance metrics to share insights and strategic recommendations with players, coaches, and teams.

Job Roles

• Research analyst
• Performance analyst
• Video analyst
• Scouting analyst

Career Prospects

Career prospects in this field are promising as you can work with domestic and national teams, cricket academies, and IPL franchises. You also get the option to work with media outlets by providing insights and analysis for publications, TV broadcasts, and websites.

Salaries

Salaries for sports analysts depend on factors such as qualifications, experience, and the level of organization or team you work with. Entry-level professionals can earn ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month, while experienced ones working with IPL teams or national teams may reach a salary level of ₹5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per year. You may also earn good money as an independent consultant on a project basis.

Sports Physiotherapist

Sports physiotherapists help cricketers optimise their physical performance, prevent injuries, and accelerate recovery. With a growing emphasis on fitness and well-being, the demand and prospects for sports physiotherapists in cricket are promising.

Job Roles

• Injury prevention and rehab
• Player fitness assessment
• Match-day support
• Fitness and conditioning

Career Prospects

Sports physiotherapists can explore opportunities in various settings, such as working with cricket academies, domestic and state teams, national teams, and IPL franchises.

Salaries

Entry-level positions for sports physiotherapists in India are between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 per month. You can earn from ₹5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per year by working with IPL teams or national teams. As an independent sports physiotherapist, you can charge on a per-session or project basis.

Sports Psychologist

With the growing awareness about the mental health of cricketers, the role of sports psychologists in the industry has become crucial. These professionals help players improve their performance in the field by developing mental resilience.

Job Roles

• Mental conditioning coach
• Crisis intervention
• Performance enhancement specialist
• Team dynamics consultant

Career Prospects

As a sports psychologist, you can find job opportunities across different cricketing contexts, such as working with state and domestic teams to help players manage performance pressure, guiding elite-level national team players participating in international competitions, and helping IPL teams create a positive environment. You can work with a cricket academy to nurture the mental health of young cricketers.

Salaries

You can expect a starting salary of ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month and go much higher as you gain experience or work with higher-level employers. For example, the annual salaries of sports psychologists working with the national team or IPL teams may exceed ₹20 lakhs. You can also earn well on a per-session or project basis as an independent professional.

Team Manager

The role of a team manager in cricket is crucial as it encompasses broad areas, from administrative tasks to player management, with the aim of ensuring the smooth functioning of your team.

Job Roles

•  Administrative duties
• Logistics management
• Budget management
• Player liaison
• Media and PR

Career Prospects

As a team manager, you can work with cricket teams at all levels, from domestic and state teams to IPL teams and the national team.

Salaries

The salary of a team manager may start at ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month at an entry-level position. You can make ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs per annum after gaining experience and getting an opportunity to work with an IPL team or the national team. Team managers can also work independently on a contract basis.

Team Accountant

Cricket is a lucrative sport in India, so teams need experts to manage their money. A team accountant handles the financial aspects, from creating realistic budgets to ensuring adherence, tracking expenses, and maintaining financial records.

Job Roles

• Financial management
• Budget planning
• Expense tracking
• Financial reporting
• Tax compliance

Career Prospects

Every cricket team needs an accountant to handle the money matters, so opportunities for these professionals abound. You can work at any level, from serving a domestic or state team to working for an IPL franchise or the national squad.

Salaries

As a team accountant, you can make ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month at the entry-level. The annual salaries for the role can reach up to ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs as you gain more experience and work with IPL or national teams. You can also work as an independent professional and earn fees on a contract basis.

Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists promote cricket teams; manage their branding, and market tournaments and related products or services. The sport is highly popular and competitive in India, making marketing an essential part of running a successful team.

Job Roles

• Marketing strategy
• Brand management
• Event promotion
• Sponsorship management

Career Prospects

When it comes to career prospects for marketing specialists, you can work with teams at all levels, from domestic to state, national, and IPL franchises. You can also seek opportunities to work with national and state cricket boards and sports marketing agencies.

Salaries

Starting salaries for entry-level positions range from ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per month. As you gain experience and work with high-level teams, you can earn a salary between ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs annually. Independent marketing specialists can earn handsomely on a contract basis.

Event Manager

India is a country that loves cricket and hosts countless tournaments at all levels every year, making event management a crucial role in the industry. The role of an event manager is a holistic one as they are responsible for a seamless execution of the program from start to end.

Job Roles

• Tournament management
• Event promotion
• Matchday operations
• Sponsorship activation
• Hospitality and VIP services

Career Prospects

Career prospects for event managers are lucrative and promising as teams at all levels employ managers to organize and manage their events. These include cricket leagues and associations, from state cricket associations to the Indian Premier League (IPL). You can also work for a sports event management company.

Salaries

Entry-level positions for event managers pay between ₹30,000 and ₹60,000 per month. Seasoned professionals can make ₹8 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per year by working with IPL teams or managing major tournaments and international cricket events. Besides regular salaries, event managers get bonuses or incentives for successful and profitable events.

Business Development/Sales Executive

Business Development or Sales Executives help teams and players generate through ticket sales, sponsorship deals, partnerships, and merchandise sales. The field has substantial opportunities, considering the popularity of cricket in India.

Job Roles

• Ticket sales
• Sponsorship deals
• Corporate partnerships
• Merchandise sales
• Hospitality sales

Career Prospects

Business Development or Sales Executives have bright career prospects because of the sheer popularity of the sport and the number of events held in the country every year. You can work with teams at all levels, managing sponsorship, ticketing, and merchandise sales. Organizations like state cricket associations and IPL hire sales reps to maximize their revenue streams.

Salaries

While the salaries of sales professionals depend on skills and experience, even beginners can start with ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month. Experienced professionals can reach higher up the league, with yearly salaries ranging from ₹6 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs. Sales professionals also get commissions and performance-based bonuses on the revenue they generate.

Pitch Curator

The role of a pitch curator is a complex one as it involves getting the pitch and outfield ready for the match to ensure fair and consistent conditions. Career prospects for these professionals are rewarding because of the increasing demand in the industry.

Job Roles

• Pitch preparation
• Pitch maintenance
• Weather monitoring
• Outfield care
• Ground staff monitoring

Career Prospects

As a pitch curator, you can work with domestic or cricket associations, international cricket stadiums, and IPL franchises.

Salaries

Entry-level positions for pitch curators start with a monthly salary of ₹20,000 to ₹40,000. Experienced professionals working at international stadiums or IPL venues can make up to ₹6 lakhs to ₹15 lakhs per year. Salaries depend on the size and popularity of the venue.

Cricket Scorer

Another interesting career for non-playing cricket professionals is that of a cricket scorer. It entails more than keeping scores during matches as you also have to ensure accurate documentation. The best part is that you can find a job in this role without a formal qualification.

Job Roles

• Match scorer
• Data entry
• Scoreboard operator

Career Prospects

Although a low-profile role, cricket-scoring professionals are needed everywhere, from domestic matches to international tournaments. You can easily land a job with domestic and state-level cricket associations, IPL franchises, and regional and national cricket boards and academies.

Salaries

The starting salary for an entry-level cricket scorer is ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month. Experienced scorers can earn much more, in a range of ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs per year, by working at higher-level matches. Freelance scorers earn on a per-match basis.

Journalist

Cricket journalism is an alluring career option for creative professionals with a passion for the game. Besides giving you a chance to write or create video content on cricket, the role also lets you see your favourites in action and travel across the country and the world.

Job Roles

• Match reporter
• Feature writer
• TV or radio commentator
• Video content creator
• Cricket analyst

Career Prospects

As a cricket journalist, you can explore opportunities at various levels, from working for media outlets to writing for independent cricket websites and blogs and creating content for social media and YouTube.

Salaries

Salaries in the field depend on experience, qualifications, creativity, and the media outlet you work for. You can expect a start of ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per month by working for print or digital media. Experienced journalists working with prominent media outlets or having a strong reputation can earn 5 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs per year. You can also work as a freelancer, charging on a per-article or per-project basis.

Commentator

Cricket commentators provide live or recorded commentary during matches with play-by-play descriptions of the action, analysis, or insights. You can pursue this opportunity as a passionate youngster or switch to it as a retired player.

Job Roles

• Match commentator
• Radio commentator
• TV studio analyst

Career Prospects

Career prospects for commentators in a cricket-crazy nation like India are promising. You can explore opportunities across various platforms such as television broadcasts, radio broadcasts, and digital streaming platforms.

Salaries

Entry-level commentators working with smaller channels or platforms can earn ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month. Experienced and renowned ones may make whopping annual salaries reaching up to ₹50 lakhs by working with top sports channels. You can also earn fees per match or event as a freelance professional.

Umpire

As a cricket umpire, you need to ensure that the game follows the laws and regulations. The role is critical to maintaining the integrity and fairness of matches.

Job Roles

• On-field umpire
• Third umpire
• Match referee

Career Prospects

Opportunities for cricket umpires are available at various levels, from domestic cricket to international matches and IPL games.

Salaries

Entry-level umpires get modest match fees, ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000 per day for local matches. Salaries for professionals officiating in domestic tournaments go up to ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per day, while internationally recognized umpires get ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per day.

The Bottom Line

Non-playing professionals have a great chance of landing a dream career in cricket in India. These options offer steady income, excellent growth prospects, and long-term stability. You can check the one that works the best for you.