photo credit: nellistc
If you are serious about making it as a professional player you will need world class coaching. Coaching you can get online at PitchVision Academy. Click here to find out more.
I've never been a professional player, but I've coached, played with and against many who have.
As you are reading this site I'm guessing you have aspirations to make it in some way yourself. I know I have despite my rational brain telling me that it's impossible considering my talent level and age.
You may still have a chance though. If you do, here are my observations on how it's done.
The basics (Skip this bit if you know the structure of cricket in the UK, otherwise read on)
In the UK cricket is run by the ECB. There are 18 fully professional county clubs that can take you on. Below this level there are several local recreational leagues. The best of these are called Premier Leagues but still run on an amateur basis. Most recreational clubs are affiliated to the ECB and players join the clubs (usually at a junior age). If you are good enough at your junior level your club can put you forward to play at a higher representative level within the county you are in.
The best players are playing first eleven club cricket and regular representative cricket by age 16. These are the guys who get first refusal for the professional county academies: the youth scheme all counties operate. Once you are in that system you are well on your way.
Alternatively, you could attend a University that has been allocated as a Centre of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE) and get spotted for a county through the University competition.
Older players can still make it though.
Good performances at senior club level or in the minor counties (non-professional representative cricket) can be rewarded with a county trial well into your twenties. The older you get the less likely this is to happen.
Additionally, there are many clubs who employ players on a short term basis as player coaches or paid professionals. Not many players can make a career of this but there are opportunities for good players not quite good enough to make it at first class level. You generally need to contact clubs directly to be considered and you will need a substantial track record in runs and/or wickets to have a serious chance.
The overseas basics
If you want to play professionally in the UK and you are based overseas it's a lot more difficult. You will need a work permit and to play county cricket that means having played at International level for your country of birth (although there are some loopholes).
More realistically is working in the UK as an overseas player for a recreational club. There are many clubs looking for good overseas players but most go though agencies like CricX for them. If you are of professional standard in your own country consider contacting a decent agency as that is the fastest route in.
How to make it as a professional
Now you know the basic system you need to know how to play it to maximise your chance.
- Be talented. There is no getting around this one I'm afraid. You need a basic semblance of ability to make it to the top. While there are many ways to maximise what you have (see below), if you have nothing to start with you will never make it. Be realistic with yourself and your talent and set lesser goals than making the county squad at least to start with.
- Have a lucky birthday. Due to the way age groups are calculated, the older kids in those groups are statistically more likely to succeed. This is because they will naturally be bigger and stronger growing up and so will be given more chances to play at a higher level and with better coaching. This has been proven in professional football where there is a lopsided number of players born at a certain time of the year.
OK, there is not much you can do about those things. What about the stuff you can control?
- Practice all the time. You know the law of 10,000 and with a bit of talent you can reach the magic number in about 10 years. The earlier you start the better and the more you can play and practice the better. There is no substitute. In addition to this you can get professional help from private academies to get the best bang for your buck. I recommend Ian Pont's Mavericks Cricket Academy and Pro Cricket Coaching Academy. There are several others though.
- Be pushy. If you are working hard at your game and producing results you deserve to be noticed. If that isn't happening you can push yourself into the limelight. Ask your coaches what you need to do to get to the next level and keep coming back to them when you have done what they asked. Jut do it in a polite way!
- Find a mentor. A mentor is an uncommon thing in cricket but it can make a big difference to whether you can make it or not. Mentors can not only help you (and how much they help is up to you), they can also argue your case for moving to the next level. Find someone you trust and admire and be confident enough to ask them their opinion. Most people love to talk about themselves so listen to what they say and see what you can learn.
- Become a coach. Doing a coaching qualification teaches you as much about your game as it does about coaching. You learn to interact with people and you learn the techniques most likely to give you success. I would recommend everyone who wants to be a pro to take at least the ECB Level 2 award with aims to get to Level 3 or 4 eventually.
- Know you mental game. Cricket can be won and lost in the head probably more than any other game. It's essential to learn the techniques to make your mental toughness and will to win as well developed as your cover drive (or googly). Study and practice this element relentlessly until it is part of your make up. You need to be able to bounce back from failure, win ugly and ride the wave of success in equal measures. That takes time but you will be playing so much (see above) you have plenty of games to hone the skills.
However, most importantly, there is one thing all aspiring professional cricketers should do: Subscribe to miCoach and let me know how your mission goes. I have faith in you.
Update: There is now a podcast that expands on this post. You can listen to it here.
If you are serious about making it as a professional player you will need world class coaching. Coaching you can get online at PitchVision Academy. Click here to find out more.
© Copyright miSport Holdings Ltd 2008
[...] to become a professional cricketer Craig Ballantyne wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI’ve never been a professional [...]
Here's a query for you.
you said that you cant play county cricket unless you have played cricket for your country
internationally....
Here is my situation, I am at school in the Caribbean, and I am working with a very realistic chance of getting a scholarship to Oxford UCCE....even if I dont get a scholarship I will still be looking to come and go to university over there (UK)
As I said before I play at a very high level in my island and I have represented at U1 level and am trying to get on my islands U19 team...
So what are my options?
My goals are firstly to secure an education and then get signed with a county and then ultimately play test cricket.
Can you please reply.
Nick
sorry I meant U15 not U1
I think the legal experts would know more than me. As far as I know anyone qualified for the West Indies can play as a Kolpak player. You can also qualify via 5 years residency in the UK although you would have to give up any chance of playing for the West Indies in doing so.
Why would I give up any chance for playing for WI
Because qualification via residency requires you to give up that right and play for England instead. It's not compulsory of course, it's your choice.
i have browse this website i want to know what steps i have to take practically to play a domestic cricket as i am 23yrs all rounder.
(India)
Azim, I'm afraid I don't know the system in India but the tips remain the same. What are you doing at the moment?
Ok, thanks for clearing that up David
Good luck Nick and let me know how it goes!
Explain this...Ruel brathawithe was spotted by Bill Athey and was carried to england to study at dulwich from which he moved on to longhborough(spelling?) and he is now playing for Surrey.
Now Ruel has not been in England for 5 years or has he ever represented WI senior side....he just got a scholarship and look where he is now...
I use this as my inspiration and am asking you to explain this one...
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/england/content/player/244499.html
Thats his profile
I suspect because he is a student and therefore not working as a cricketer full time he is not subject to the same strict work permit rules for overseas players.
ok, so what would happen when he complete his education (one years time)??
I want to stress I'm not expert on this so you will need to confirm this information. If he is taken on a full time contract with a county he will need to qualify in some way as he would be unlikely to get a work permit. If he qualifies as a Kolpak player he will be fine. He also has a chance of staying if he says he wants to qualify via residency.
Having coached junior cricket for the past 5 years or so I note that in our junior county set up players selected at age 11 generally stay in the county side right through until U16/17, whilst lads who develop in their early teens don't get a look in. This means that the stronger 11 years olds are favoured over the potentially better technically equiped players who develop later.
I wonder if this is the same in all counties? I have seen players with junior county caps who would struggle to get into our club junior sides and players at our club and elsewhere who can't get county recognition and therefore lose out on a valuable chance of being "spotted".
When we next talk about lack of English talent maybe we should look at the way selection works at the county junior level and question if this is leading to us missing out on many talented players.
Ian that is very poor management from the rep coaches. It's also counter productive. The best players will win you games.Have you tried speaking to the coaches to see their reasons for not selecting talented players?
When questioned the response is normally "we like to keep the team/squad together" and "we looked at the others but thought they were not quite ready". I know all judgements on cricketers are subjective but the fact that in my county there is such a low "churn" factor of new players coming in after age 11/12 doesn't seem to give the best answer. I wonder if anyone has done research on whether this is a countrywide issue or just in our county?
Hello my name is umang. i am bourn 4-12-1987.i had played Cricket at school level.I am playing at collage level.There is not enough coaching &faciliTy avilable to go next level.If i have given chance to be prepare for my cricket then just after 1 year i am /will be playing next level.
Hello umang, good luck.
Hey David, I also have aspirations to become a professional one day, but I hope to earn this position through one of the UCCE teams that I hope to join in a couple of years time, I was wondering if you or Ian knew of the amount of skill players from the UCCE teams have and generally what speed the fastest of them are expected to bowl at.
Also I heard from someone that weight training isnt the right way to try and increase pace as a fast bowler due to high chances of stiffnes in arms etc. is this true? and if so are there any other effective ways? Thanks
great questions Waqur. To answer your question about stiffness, I am afraid that is a total myth. Look here for more information: http://www.pitchvision.com/why-cricketers-need-strength-training/ and http://www.pitchvision.com/why-ian-botham-is-wrong-about-cricket-fitness... and http://www.pitchvision.com/cricket-fitness-myths/
As for the UCCE I have not seen the standard personally so it may be worth trying to get to a game or two this year to see. However I know the best play the counties preseason and although it is one sided, many players are potentially at first class level and many others play regular county 2nd XI or minor county cricket. I would estimate a UCCE to be around county 2nd team level.
Thanks a lot mate
No problem Waqar. Let me know how you get on!
my age is 21 can i able to become a internatinol player for any team or country
Theoretically Ranjith you can. You would have to qualify under the country rules though.
can u help me?? to become a internatinol player
im a good fast bowler n slog hitter...
i can murder the opposite batsmen through my fast bwlng...
Ranjith, I would love to help you but I am no expert. Have you contacted the local representive side to try and get a trial?
im not getting the contact of higher official..
its ok thanks for ur great suggestion n help.. if my luck is der den i would get a chance..
David Hinchliffe where u from???
do u need a scholarship to get into a UCCE
Hey mate
Im a 23 yr old fast bowler from Melbourne, Australia with a Euro passport. Ive been playing indoor cricket for 7 years and have represented at district and junior state levels. Now im concentrating on outdoor as i've started playing again this season. I've taken 18 wickets at an average of 13 this summer (my first summer for 5 seasons)and can bowl consistently around 140km mark with good accuracy. I'm handy with the bat with a highest score this season of 82 n.o. and avereging 35 in Melbournes Eastern Districts Competition 1st and 2nd XI district teams.
Any chance of getting a trial run with a county side? I'm willing and ready to make the trip up as working 1 year in the corporate world after graduating from uni isnt the career path for me at this stage. I want to play cricket for a living.
Let me know your thoughts Dave & how'd id go about getting a trial run, Cheers
Matt, I'm afraid I don't have the contacts to make that happen. You could come over here to play as a non-county club professional. Contact www.cricx.com for more information.
Bob, I don't know. I would call one of the UCCE's to find out.
I came to US when I was 14 at that time I was playing for my school in India its been 11years. Right now i'm 24 what are the chances if I go back to India & join acadmy? I'm a fast bowler & pinch hitter. Plz give me good advice sir thx
hai, i am uday iam in chennai
my age is 25 i decides to become a cricketer
basically iam a batsman
which coaching place i can approach
is my age will be a restriction
i need immediate guide , so please mail me
The older you get udayakumar the harder it is. If you have talent it is not impossible but I don't know how the system works in Chennai I'm afraid. I wish you luck though.
hey im 14 years old and still in high school in south africa
im afraid i might not be good enough or go to the right school to become a proffesional cricketer what can i do to make my chance of becomming a pro cricketer i love the game and practice as much as possible but do you have any secrets or tips that could make my game all the more better
i go to maragon private school and next year i will be in the first team for cricket so any advise please anyone you might know that has tips please email me at michael-mondahl@hotmail.com
thank you kindly mike
michael, there are no secrets, just hard work done in the right way. Follow these tips and you will give yourself the best chance. Good luck!
thanx but im already working hard im in grade 8 nd gonna play for the firsts so thanx any way
Why the 'but' Michael? If you are working hard you know the secret!
can u get scouted playing playing in adult teams in basic clubs (not counties like middlesex). by scouted i mean trials for a county.
Theoretically yes, but it doesn’t happen very often.
does your clubs senior team have to play in division one to get a chance of getting scouted?
great question bob, there are no hard and fast rules as these things tend to work by hearsay. The higher standard cricket you play the more chance you have
Hi im 16 and have dreams to become a profesional cricketer and play for scotland or a professonal club. can you please give me some advice on how to get started.i am currently at high school and am studying hard. But i have dreams to one day become a succesful cricket player. can you please point me in the right direction and give me advice on how to get started.i have only played cricket with friends but have never played in a proper game but with the right help i believe i can make it to the top because im determined.
Hi Dave,
I play top level club criket (at 17) at the moment, and was just thinking about how I would go about in getting into a county's books?
Please e-mail me, so that i can fill you in with the details.
Thank You
I'd love to JC, what's your email address?
it's jcrichards1@hotmail.co.uk
Thank you
The best way to get noticed in the UK system is the following:
1) Play junior reps cricket and then look for a county contract when your 18.
2) Join a UCCE and play warm up games and friendlies against several county first teams. Do well they will follow your progress invite you to play for their county 2nd eleven sides.
Best UCCE's to join Durham, Cardiff (which is 3 Uni's UWIC, Glamorgan & Cardiff) or Leeds Bradford (which is Leeds Met, Leeds Uni and Bradford Uni.
These offer a fantastic platform to train and play for 3 yrs (duration of a degree)
3) Play high level club cricket in a premier league of a county and gain interest from local scouts. (You need to be consistently good scoring over 700 runs in the season or being prolific with the ball.
4) Make minor counties aware of your availability and past cricket CV normally ex first class players and UCCE players will gain access to this level. The best way to get noticed in the UK system is the following:
1) Play junior reps cricket and then look for a county contract when your 18.
2) Join a UCCE and play warm up games and friendlies against several county first teams. Do well they will follow your progress invite you to play for their county 2nd eleven side.
Best UCCE's to join Durham, Cardiff (which is 3 Unis UWIC, Glamorgan & Cardiff) or Leeds Bradford (which is Leeds Met, Leeds Uni and Bradford Uni.
These offer a fantastic platform to train and play for 3 yrs (duration of a degree)
3) Play high level club cricket in a premier league of a county and gain interest from local scouts. (You need to be consistently good scoring over 700 runs in the season or being prolific with the ball.
4) Make minor counties aware of your availability and past cricket CV normally ex first class players and UCCE players will gain access to this level. The best way to get noticed in the UK system is the following:
1) Play junior reps cricket and then look for a county contract when your 18.
2) Join a UCCE and play warm up games and friendlies against several county first teams. Do well they will follow your progress invite you to play for their county 2nd eleven side.
Best UCCE's to join Durham, Cardiff (which is 3 Unis UWIC, Glamorgan & Cardiff) or Leeds Bradford (which is Leeds Met, Leeds Uni and Bradford Uni.
These offer a fantastic platform to train and play for 3 yrs (duration of a degree)
3) Play high level club cricket in a premier league of a county and gain interest from local scouts. (you need to be consistently good scoring over 700 runs in the season or being prolific with the ball.
4) Make minor counties aware of your availability and past cricket CV normally ex first class players and UCCE players will gain access to this level. The best way to get noticed in the UK system is the following:
1) Play junior reps cricket and then look for a county contract when your 18.
2) Join a UCCE and play warm up games and friendlies against several county first teams. Do well they will follow your progress invite you to play for their county 2nd eleven sides.
Best UCCE's to join Durham, Cardiff ( which is 3 Unis UWIC, Glamorgan & Cardiff) or Leeds Bradford (which is Leeds Met, Leeds Uni and Bradford Uni.
These offer a fantastic platform to train and play for 3 yrs (duration of a degree)
3) Play high level club cricket in a premier league of a county and gain interest from local scouts. (you need to be consistently good scoring over 700 runs in the season or being prolific with the ball.
4) Make minor counties aware of your availability and past cricket CV normally ex first class players and UCCE players will gain access to this level.
please give me training of cricket
You are in the right place Mayank. What training are you after?
Hi David, i was wondering what tips you have to practice pace/swing bowling. At the moment i seem to be able to get outswing but not inswing. I have recently started playing under 14s cricket for a club and was wondering if i have started too late to be able to make it at county level. (I'm 13)
It's not too late if you have talent Jim.
I play county cricket at junior level-currently u'15s. however i have suffered two serious knee injuries this season. i presume this will affect my game and my future in it, what are your thoughts?
It depends how serious and what your attitude is to the setback.
i want to become a cricketer
Good luck rahul.
"However, most importantly, there is one thing all aspiring professional cricketers should do that I know you are already doing." what is that thing?
Subscribe to miCoach of course!
I think to become a professional cricketer one must follow the 3 D's - Discipline, Determination & Dedication.
hi,i am 18 years of age.i am in a college right now.i want to become a professional cricketer.i have played only with my friends but not the proper game,but i believe if i will be guided well i could be a good cricketer because i am determined.
Good luck anshul
Hi, I am 19 yrs old and I love playing cricket and I want to take it up as a profession, please can you tell me what i have to do. Thanks
My Email address is f.asif@hotmail.co.uk, please can you email me, letting me know what i have to do.
Have you read the article Asif? What do you think?
Hello Dave, im 15 and i play for a club called Seaham Harbour in the the North East of England. I have only been playing cricket for three years and already i had the most runs at any age level in the club this year. I used to be very modest about my ability, when people were telling me i could make it proffesionally i simply said that it wasnt possible and the odds are too slim. I was invited to Durham CCC trails and i passed through all the stages untill i was left with a few who were invited to the riverside stadium. i didnt go... i really cant tell you why buti hope i havn't blown my possible chance of making it at county level or beyond. what sort of chance do you think i have dave?
Cheers,
Callum
I think you are best off speaking to the coach at Durham to find out that one Callum. Best of luck.
I would like to be professional cricketer of Bangladesh. I am 14 years old. Please if you can let me know.
Let you know what Shoikoto?
Yes i have read the article, but where should i go to start playing cricket regularly and get recognised. im in staffordshire.
hi David ,I m Vibhor and i told u before that i m 17 n i want to be a pro cricketer but u said read the article which i have n its pretty good n helpful but see there numerous things on the websute n article and i dont know which one s to follow and i need some guidance n support through my process of becoming one pro. So any advice how to get started . i already play fr a club has been their highest wicket taker in all forms at premier league level and has scored more than 500 uns every season.
My e-mail add is vibhoryadav@yahoo.co.uk
So please get back to me personally if u could plz.
You are doing things exactly right Vibhor. If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me.
Asif, go to your local cricket club. The higher the standard the better, Premier League 1st XI is your ultimate aim at club level.
i love cricket my burning desire is to become crickter but i dont hw wre to join can u help plzzzzzz
Do you have a local cricket team?
i want to play internatinal cricket , 1 am 20 years old live in paisley
Keep your eyes peeled on the site for some follow up advice Mujahid. Good luck.
Hey David, I will hopefully be getting accepted for Bradford University next year where I will be hoping to try out for the Leeds/Bradford UCCE team, however I feel as if im not skilled enough to succeed within the team, I was hoping that you could recommend some cricket acadamies that will be running through the summer to help me achieve my goal, Thanks mate.
Where do you live and how old are you Waqar?
I live in Bradford, and I'm 18.
Bump?
David,
I live in South Africa at the moment, but lived in england until I was 8. I am 14 and play first team cricket at my school(one of the top in the country)and play provincially for the under 15 Western Province side (cape town). I was player of the year under 13 and this year after the tournament and leading run scorer during both tournaments for wp. I am sponsored by gray-nicolls and scored 1000 runs this year at an average of 60. I open the batting and love playing cricket, I'm also a good slip fielder. My intentions are to play test,ODI and 2020 for England consistently for a long time. Please can you tell me the best way I could get into a county team and play for England. I used to live in England so it will be an easy transition. I do not like to be full of myself but now maybe you know the standard of my cricket.
Thank you
Jack Newby
dear sir
my self vikram
iam right handed batsmen
and right arm slow medium bowler
i want a chance in any county team
so that i can prove my talent
and learn some tips
Hi,
I am Varun and i am 15 yrs oLd! I play in the Beijing cricket club and i am the youngest player in the whole club and one of the fastest bowlers. I can bowl around 120-125kph wich is quite fast for my age i hope. I can also bat. I am relly good wid a tennis ball but wid a hard ball i still need to practice a bit. I have a dream to play for India. I consider myself to be very talented and i beleive in myselft that i can play for my COuntry. im workin quite hard for it and before i turn 17 im aiming for 130-135 kph. and 145 + later on. U think wid dis kinda pace i can make it in d team. can u give me sum tips if u can. i know i can backup mu batting to make it into the team. I am a relly good allrounder and d Indian cricket team needs some
also i am d oldest in my family and talented
and im playing wid ppl who are much older and experienced dan i am so i should gain ALOT of experience. I am d opening bowler for the team
Hey Warunaboy, does the Beijing Cricket Club have a website?
http://www.bjcricketclub.org/Cricket/Home.html
Yes dat is the website. but it hasnt been updated since the seasons over. itll start again sometime in march. Then the website will be updated again. There are only four teams and im in the Phoenix team that came second place. We dnt practice too much, we just play matches. But i practice wid my friends who are not in the club. And i am working alot on my fitness and strength before the season starts
HI sir .i am Gurdeep singh from india.I want to play for india.I am a leg spiner bowler.but i want to tell u that i am a village boy and i ever play cricket only for my village .I never play any districk level match.but i have great confidence that i can become a good cricket player because i can bowl very well.but i have some problem that i cant take any type of coaching because i am 25 years old and i am doing job and i dont want to waste my time for coaching because i am also worried about my life.so plz can u tell me that how i can direct join into state team.i am from punjab so plz tell me that can i go direct into state team after participate in any type of triels.but i dont know that when and where i can participate in these triels.so plz tell me that from where i start. thanks.
HI sir .i am Gurdeep singh from india.I want to play for india.I am a leg spiner bowler.but i want to tell u that i am a village boy and i ever play cricket only for my village .I never play any districk level match.but i have great confidence that i can become a good cricket player because i can bowl very well.but i have some problem that i cant take any type of coaching because i am 25 years old and i am doing job and i dont want to waste my time for coaching because i am also worried about my life.so plz can u tell me that how i can direct join into state team.i am from punjab so plz tell me that can i go direct into state team after participate in any type of triels.but i dont know that when and where i can participate in these triels.so plz tell me that from where i start. thanks.
Sasrikal Gurdeep Singh ji...i dont thing there is anyway you can enter direct into the team..unless someone like Sachin Tendulkar finds out about your talent and thinks you are good enough....otherwise you have to go through the procedure...of playing for a club..and then getting into ranji...and then perform..and then nation..
Hello Vish 111, I m Vibhor and currently live in the UK. I play 1st team highest level league cricket here. I m only 17 and i have performed fairly well in the last 3 seasons taking over 140 wickets and scoring over 1500 runs.... The standard of cricket is very good here..... But i m originally from india and would be going to india in summer so i wanted to ask you that if i can give trials for my state as i have got club experience here and i m also part of the middlesex county north area squad.....
Plz advice....
Vibhor
vibhoryadav@yahoo.co.uk
First of all i would like to clear that i am just 16...and myself dream of playing for India..so i am probably not the best one to advice..
but according to me...from what i have heard till now...state teams dont really run open trials..you either get in through some good coach..or playing in college games etc....in your situation the best thing would be to find a good cricket club ....talk to the coach...show him your talent and all...and only then you will be able to reach state........as i said....i dont know that much about it...btw may i ask which state are you from?.
your record seems to be really good.....hope things some how work out for you.....
hey vish buddy tx soz i didnt know that u r 16 but it doesnt matter u still have the right amount of knowledge,.....
I m new delhi ......
i m here in london since i was 14... and i started playing hard bowl at 15 nothing before that....
Its been quite good as in only 2 and half years of me playing i have taken over 140 wickets and 1500 runs which is not bad .... n i play in the division of the top league in middlesex for 1st and 2nd team...
I also gave trials when i was 15 but i was told i didnt have experience although they said i was gud enuf....which was really upsetting fr me but now i have decided i have to make it through to the county in next couple of years...
I ll try in india as well i have got a lot contacts of players who play there... so lets hope all goes well..
U seem a good player to me as well bowling 120-125 is amazing man at ur age..
i was clocked at 78.9 mph in my academy and get coaching from ian pont and grant flower..
keep in touch god luck
tx
Victor
I have play professional cricket because of my interest in play cricket. I would like to play cricket of my country India. so please send of any of the academy's address to provided the coaching of cricket in India.
Thanks
Ravi jha
i have been playing county cricket since the age of 11,had trials with the west of endland at 13years old. is there a chance to get a trial with a first class county?
west of england
I would suggest contacting your local counties to find out. If you are in the West Glamorgan and Gloucestershire are the obvious choices.
i am 16 years old.Now i am in school,i played cricket for longe time so i wana be a cricket player if is there any coaching places
I want to became a cricketer.I am 18 year old.
good luck, you can fast forward your chances with a coaching course from one of our elite coaches. Click here to see the choice.
Hi
I am a 21 year old boy. I live in India. I want to become a professional cricketer. I have never got any cricket coaching and i am also a bit over weighted.
Do I have any chance to become a professional cricketer if i work hard for coming 4-5 years?
And also explain what is the procedure to become a pro cricketer in India.
Hard work plus talent and you may make it. I'm afraid I don't know the system in India Dinesh.
OK David
Thanks any way...!!!
hey david my self vikram
iam right handed batsmen right arm slow bowler
and wicket keeper also
please give me a chance to prove my talent
iam 24 yrs old
waiting since 7 years
due to politics i didnt get any chance
please david one chance
What chance would you like me to give you Vikram?
yea Vikram i don't think David can help u wid dat. To become a cricket player, der needs to be something different about u. U need to be very talkented. and at the same time lucky. I am 15 and i consider myself to be very talented since i can bowl around 120 at this age. and also i can bat well and im d youngest in my club. I play wid ppl much older and experienced dan me. i play wid ppl who are at their peak. So it is very good practice for me. My dream is also to play for India. I have started to work out and im gonna be increasing my pace as i get older. I want my pace to be atleast 130kph b4 i go to India and join a club der. like dis i will hav a great chance to get into Ranji if my bowling and batting is great. But its all about Talent and Luck.
I am 15 now and i can bowl 120. im hoping to bowl 130kph wen i turn 17. Im workin out and taking everythn very seriously. if Ishant sharma could bowl at 145+ wen he was 19, im pretty sure 130 wouldnt be too hard for me at the age of 17.
hey david i want place in any team so that i can prove mytalent
iam from hyderabad
here i wont get any chance due to politics
wer u from
hey mr warunaboy wer u from
did u played for any state team
Warunaboy is right. I don't have a team you can play for Vikram.
hey vikram, im also from hyderabad. No i dont play ffor any state team yet. I am in Beijing at the moment. I play for a club here. im in 11th grade. im gonna go to India wen i finish 12th grade and then der im gonna join a club. dats wen my real cricketing career will start
hey frnd as a personal experience
if u hav money or recomandation then ry for place in HCA
other wise its waste of u r time
really my frnd
in hyderabad der is only money can do anything
gud luck for ur future
I want to join an England team. I am an all-rounder. I have been playing for years as far as my memory can go back. I play locally with local players and areas around Slough, Berkshire. My associates all say the same thing to me that I should try and play professionally and this is my
dream to play for my country. I am not sure of who to contact and how to join. Please please give me a chance to prove my abilities as a player. Just give me chance to show what I can do.
Just once chance thats all I am asking for.
Thank you
Sher Raja
Who are you asking to give you a chance Sher?
i am asking giv me chance in county cricket and you can see my parfomus and then you decide i am good are not .I am fast boller and i am opening batsman aswell belive me i am match winer.
If that is what you are asking I suggest you contact a county side directly and ask for a trial. We don't offer county contracts on this website.
can you please tel me which contracts you offer then i decide which way i go thanks
We don't offer contracts Sher.
i want to know what you ofer to players to become a professional cricketer.I want to play for england team can you help me please where should i go thanks
Have you tried doing what the article suggests?
no i did't try what is that
"Hi,
I am Varun and i am 15 yrs oLd! I play in the Beijing cricket club and i am the youngest player in the whole club and one of the fastest bowlers. I can bowl around 120-125kph wich is quite fast for my age i hope. I can also bat. I am relly good wid a tennis ball but wid a hard ball i still need to practice a bit. I have a dream to play for India. I consider myself to be very talented and i beleive in myselft that i can play for my COuntry. im workin quite hard for it and before i turn 17 im aiming for 130-135 kph. and 145 + later on. U think wid dis kinda pace i can make it in d team. can u give me sum tips if u can. i know i can backup mu batting to make it into the team. I am a relly good allrounder and d Indian cricket team needs some "
Varun, You are better off playing in Beijing where the competition is far less than India. India has over 500 first class players, and they don't need any more. The talent pool is huge. If you want to play cricket in India you need to move to India and live there. Its the toughest place ( the hardships) to play competitive cricket and most kids from other countries will not last a seasons. Dreaming up pace is one thing but getting there is another. How have you measured your speeds? Put up a video on youtube and post the link here first. Speed is not everything and many Indian batsman will easily play that. the India U19 thrashed the Australia U19 easily recently. Go to India and see where you stand. If you can make it an U19 state team in India then you have a chance of going to the next level. But Its not that easy.
hi i play for leicester city cricket club i am 15 and play U15 U17 and the occasional mens game and of course school cricket. i believe i am a batting all rounder, i open the batting for my club and scoring consistent high scores like last game i scored 48* i also bowl quite fast for my age but prefer batting i have asked for leicestershire district trials and apparently district finishes at U15 so i need advice on how to get to the next level
hey david, i am 14 old boy. i play for our diss. team in punjab(india). iam a right handed oppener batsman and right arm off spinner.iwant to play international cricket for any country. last game (practice match)i scored 84*(109)and took 6 wickets for 56 runs in 18 overs. please give me some suggestons to improve my game.
thanks.
Hi and welcome, first you should subscribe to micricketcoach and get the free tips to help you. If you want the answers faster have a look at our online cricket coaching. Best of luck!
Hai i'm pyaare 20years old from tamilnadu , i had great confidence to b'com a cricketer ... but i dont know from where i can start my coaching... i want 2 b'com a professional cricketer & ready to concentrate fully on cricket... specially as a bats man.. but i did'nt even played in any district team itself...pls pls guide me...
Do you have a local club you can join?
Thank u sir & sir i have a local club but .... i think chennai is most sufficient place to get trained...so i think i wanna go there sir... &... where can i get full time coaching & training sir!!!
I'm not sure how accurate it it, but there is a list of academies here.
Thank u Mr.David
... nice information
Hi thtolere,
I am very interested in become a pro cricketer and as i live in Bristol the standard of proffestional cricket is very high as they are (slowly) becoming a stonger side. I was wondering would it make more sense to get into a county that is not doing as well in the 1st 11 pro side of things?
I play U15 & U17 club cricket and keep for both. I can bowl at roughly 65 mph and am quite handy with a bat, would it be worth getting some pro coaching?
Also due to the nature of Junoir cricket and the length of the season woukd it be worth joining a different club and play Adult cricket to prolong the short season.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom, great question. The first step is certainly to start playing adult cricket. You must be of at least 1XI standard in a decent West of England Premier League club to stand any chance of stepping up.
Coaching will help with this, as will lots of hard work on your part.
When you are at this standard you can work at getting into an Academy side. Gloucester, Glamorgan and Somerset are all reasonably close. I would not worry about current first XI county squad standards just yet, not until you are in an Academy at least.
Im 14 years old, fast bowler hitting around 80mph at the most but i normally get about 75mph +..im also a top order batsman and pretty good fielder, im playing 3rds cricket regulary and ive also played seconds,to make a 1st team but i am captining U15 and scoring runs and taking plently of wickets, but i am unsure what i need to work on if i want to get threw the county trials this year and if my birthday would effect my chances.
Sounds like you are doing everything right. What do you want to work on?
i want to become a cricketr
i m 20year old faast bowler,
i do not play for any club and any school
i want to join cricket academy in delhi
so plz give me advaice
what shought i do for join
Have you considered joining a club?
hi i am a fast bowler
i have a sling bowling action very similer to lasith malinga can you giv me any tip[s on how to get faster?
ive looks for help and ther isnt allot for sling bowling.
i am 19 years old and want to get to county level in a few years.
ive not playd for a year due to my assignments but now i am free
i have been bowling in the nets and bowling around 80 mph but it seems harder for the bastmen because of the slingy action
so any tips you can giv me plz?
thank you
You need a proper coach to help you, try How to Bowl Faster by Ian Pont. He is the fast bowling guru.
hi i am 16 year old.i have been playing cricket for 4 years but i havent taken them seriusly.now i want to become a cricketer in the future and i am practising everyday and also i am planning to go to special coaching.i have one BIG problem when i go out to bat is i am scared of the fast ball and the bouncers can you tell me some ideas or drills i could do to stop my scaredness?
All the answers and drills are can be found in Build confidence with solid defensive technique and tactics If you are serious about becoming a cricketer you will need the answers in this course from somewhere, buying it is cheaper than paying for a day with a coach like Gary Palmer.
also i want to get some help of how to bowl fast.is there any steps or any training i can do to make my pace even faster.thank you so much for your answers its soo good.
See my comment above. Glad to be of assistance.
Hi Peter. Thanks for commenting on my post before. Well i went to hyderabad (India) for summer and got some cricket coaching there from ex ranji players. I have seen how cricket in India is. Its HUGE! But im one of the better players in the academy and the coach said i have a good chance to get in the India U19 team if i keep working this hard. So next yr i will go back to India and start my cricket career with some league matches and then i will try my best to get into U19. Well i was wrong about my pace. I dont think i can bowl 125kph. I am more like 115kph and im 16 and since i have a good height my bowling is very effective. I am working on increasing my speed and my batting has also got better. Next yr i will be trying for the U19 team and then Ranji. I know where i stand and i also know that i could get better. Going to India in the summer was very effective. If i hadnt come here then i guess it wouldnt have been that easy for me to dream big. I am a much better cricketer after a month of training in India and next yr after studies i will come back. getting into the Indian team, you dont just need skill but luck as well. Right now im tryng for U19 and Ranji. Lets see what happens later
Hey,
I'm currently playing U15 Level at a small club in Newcastle. I'v just been chosen for County Cricket after trials. How do i push on and hopefully play for Durham and then England.
Thanks,
Tom
i want to know that how i come in india cricket...in what age ....me now in 9th class...i continues my traning......plz tell me the steps how i become a good crickter.....in every feild..like bowling,bating,feilding,catching..& how i win the heart of peoples by cricket...plz reply...i'm waiting for ur answer.
I AM FROM PUNJAB ,CAN YOU TELL ME HOW CAN I ADMIT IN ANY CRICKET ACEDMEY IN MY STATE,I AM HAVING INTREST ONLY IN CRICKET NOT OTHER FIELDS PLEASE TELL ME WHAT SHOULD I DO
i see this topic is still proving popular!!
i want to become a cricketer
is there any cricket institute near hyderabad as i will give my interview for becoming a cricketer please post it on my email id
i am fast bowler.i am from surat.iam join acadami please give me impormation.
I am from junagadh. now i am doing m.b.a. in baroda. i want to become a cricketer. i want to making my carrier in cricket. plz give me advise.
My age is 17 n no one similar to my age can defeat me.
yeh mera ego nahi vishwas bole raha hai
hi sir i am really in to cricket an i am 16 years old.i play for a club under 18a team and also my school team.i have only started to take cricket seriouse this year if i try hard and do soo much training will i gt a chance to play for internationals?i live in nz.........i really want to play for an international team that has been my ambition and my dream from the begginnig of this year till now....can u tell me is there anything i should do so that i cn improve and also cn u tell me if i have a chance to play for internationals?
Well its also my ambition to become a cricket player and play for India. But asking someone how to become a player is not a very smart thing to do. you need talent. You need to be better than everyone else you've known or played with and then you should think about it.
All you have to do is join a decent club where the coaches are also decent. Play for some team and impress the selectors by performing well. You perfom well you are in and if you dont then ur out. Its as simple as that.
Im in beijing right now and all im doing this final yr is working out to become strronger and become a better and faster bowler. I want to make sure i am faster than the rest when i reach India which will be a great advantage. ofcourse the line and length is also important. You need to strengthen ur body for fast bowling and if you are a batsmen, then you gotta train in the nets for hours.
some people here are saying that theyre 14 or 15 yr old and could bowl at 80mph. this is plain BS. ive never faced anyone that young who can bowl that fast. better go check your bowling speed instead of just assuming it
Hi.....This Is Rahul Devalla From Hyderabad Of Just 13 Years Old.
Basically I Am A Batsmen.
Usually I Come At Number 3.
And Also A Great Fielder.Can Hit Stumps From Any Where...!
Usually I Play Right Hand Bat But For Some Change I Also Bat With Left For Some Reasons...
But I Look More Agressive When i Bat With Left...!
Right HAnd:I Can It The Ball Any Where In Grounf
Left Hand:Can Only Hit In Long On, Long Of,Straight And Third Man, And Fine leg...
Usually Hope I Will Practise With Right..!
Also....I Play Fro My School Team.
That's a great article David, it's a shame that I will never make it! So much talent!
Looks like I'll just be carrying on the rest of the career playing for my cricket club in Bristol.
I just read the article again and there really are some great tips. I'll have to bookmark it.
hi david,
i want to play more cricket, i used to play for my school team n district, i m only 16 years old. so u tell me some tips ..
HELLO!SIR I WANT TO BE A CRICKETER CRICKET IS MY LIFE CNA I BECOME A CRICKETER PLS TELL ME SIR
hii i m 15 yrs old and i m a very good bats man cricket is my passion cricket is life and cricket is my everything
so sir how can i become the crickter.
and i also get many meedle from my school on cricket
plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz sir tell me
Hi,
I am Athik. I am a very good left hand batsman and a spin bowler also. Right now I do know how to enter in National and International cricket team to play. So I request you to please gave me an idea that how to do my career.
Thanx !
Athik
hello there...im a great leg spin n i want to become a cricketer...cn u help me....
What help do you need?
dear sir,
i want to ask u that how can i play for akistan cricket team i am searching how to apply on online but i cant find a way and i am 16 so can u please help me to get into pak cricket team
Hi david i am a leg-spinner and last year i managed to pick up the bowling trophy for my club pannal. we were unbeaten last year accept for the final of north yorkshire cup and we won the bob mellor cup against studley royal who have two yorkshire players. i can bowl every delivery in cricket and 3 i hav actually invented is there anyway you can see me and see my bowling. I'm not boastful but i think i have talent that's not being recognised.
Im 19 years old...im a leg spinner..i want to play fr county cricket in england...hw cn i play there..will u help me plz....
Hai sir ,
I want to become a good cricketer but i dont know how to proceed
I am a good fielder because i am a good runner,and Can Hit Stumps From Any Where...! and i am a leg spinner i never give boundary surrondings from my fielding position
Hy
im 13 years old and have not yet played for a club, this year i am joining a club but i have played for school teams i moved school last year in june i was on the cricket team and was captain, as soon as i moved to my new school i got recognised as da best batter on the team and there is a older boy then me on the team who plays for a county do you think i would have a chance to get in to a county
Hy
im 13 years old and have not yet played for a club, this year i am joining a club but i have played for school teams i moved school last year in june i was on the cricket team and was captain, as soon as i moved to my new school i got recognised as da best batter on the team and there is a older boy then me on the team who plays for a county do you think i would have a chance to get in to a county
Only one way to find out, go for it.
HI SIR MY NAME IS KIRUBAKARAN AND I AM NOW 18 YEARS OLD AND I AM DOING MY ENGINEERING IN CHENNAI.......
AND I HAD A DREAM TO BECAME A CRICKETER AND I AM A GOOD ALL ROUNDER CAN I ABLE TO PLAY FOR INDIA...
SIR I KNOW YOURS ANSWER WILL BE NEGATIVE TO ME BUT PAKISTAN PLAYER MISBAH UL HAQ HAD BECAME A CRICKTER AFTER FINISHING HIS MASTER DEGREE IF CAN I WORK HARD FROM HERE CAN I BECAME A CRICKTER FOR INDIA........?
REPLY ME SIR..... FRANKLY........
Well, I say try it and good luck. That's the only way you will know.
thank u........ sir for ur comment........ can i first join in club or try for further selections....................................
I'm not sure I understand you kirubakarn, what do you need?
Hi Aziz, and from South-Africa, My life revolve around cricket, I played for clubs, and my Province, aswell as the South-African Amateur Team..
Got a big contract, but never had the oppertunity to play, Im a Left Hand spin bowler...
Is there any Big Club who will be intrested, or advise on where to search.
I AM 14 YEARS OLD AND I WANT TO BECOME INTERNATIONAL CRICKTER I PRACTICE A LOT I AM IN AMRITSAR GIVE ME THE GOOD COACHING CENTRE PLEASE
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