The job of a coach in cricket is one of the most thankless jobs in the world. You win, and all the plaudits go to the players who the people think were responsible for such a huge result, or if it is a monumental win. However, lose, and it’s the fault of the coach for not picking the right team, and for not making the correct tactical changes. So the coach does everything, yet receives nothing in the grander scheme of things. However, their achievements and their services are not unnoticed, which is why they are paid a king’s ransom when it comes to tending their services.
Let us have a look at the salaries of the coaches of the top 8 cricketing nations-
1. India- Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid has been on the job barely for over a year, yet he’s been talked about almost everyday for all the wrong reasons. While his stint can be classified as a mixed bag, he’s already been christened as a failure by the majority of the fanbase. However, he is one of the highest paid coaches in international cricket at present, earning a cool and handsome 10 crores annually for his services. That is a substantial amount in any field, thus putting him in a bracket of his own when it comes to this field. The job taketh, and the job equally giveth.
2. South Africa – Mark Boucher
While Boucher is no longer the coach of the South African team, stepping down after their embarrassing elimination in the T20 World Cup, he did find himself in the payroll as one of the head coaches who was paid pretty well considering the finances of Cricket South Africa. Inspite of being embroiled in a racism scandal that shook the core of Proteas cricket, Boucher earned a considerable 1.05 crore rupees during his time as coach in South Africa
3. West Indies- Phil Simmons
Another coach who has stepped down after a poor performance in the World Cup, former West Indies coach Phil Simmons was always known as a calm headed individual who always wanted the best for his side. While that did not translate into results on the big stage, it did get him a very decent paycheck while he was at the helm. CWI paid him close to 64.5 lakhs annually, which is more than a decent amount considering the perpetual financial turmoil that the Carribbean side is always in.
4. New Zealand – Gary Stead
New Zealand currently are a team in a state of flux, with the key players in that golden generation slowly finding their way out of the national side either by calling it quits or by opting out of central contracts, effectively making them free agents. The man who’s task is to ensure that the Kiwis do remain competitive in the face of all this adversity is coach Gary Stead. The head coach has been a source of calm, still trying his level best to go ahead and keep the New Zealand side relevant in the midst of all this. It helps that he’s paid a pretty penny at 1.74 crores annually, but still a great job done by him.
5. England- Brendon McCullum
With England opting for different coaches for different formats, it is obvious that both coaches will come under the microscope. However, Brendon McCullum has come across to this seemingly finished English side as a breath of fresh air, and his pay package are testament to the great work that they’ve done. Brendon McCullum is rumoured to be the most expensive coach in international cricket, reportedly earning a staggering 18.8 crores yearly when he penned a 4-year deal to be England’s test coach.
6. Australia – Andrew McDonald
Another coach whose appointment has transformed the fortunes of the side, McDonald entered the fray when the Australian side was on the verge of being permanently fractured. But he has done a great job, taking the Aussies on the verge of the wtc finals. He’s currently earning 5 million Australian dollars for his services.
7. Sri Lanka – Chris Silverwood
After having a rather embarassing stint as coach of England, Chris Silverwood joined Sri Lanka to repair his tarnished reputation, and he has well and truly redeemed himself by lifting the Asia Cup with an unheralded Sri Lanka side. And the hope is that he continues the same way. He currently earns around $60,000 USD.
8. Bangladesh – Russell Domingo
Another manager who had an underwhelming time as coach. Bangladesh mightily struggled in his guidance as they find themselves in a bad state of things. He has now resigned from the post, but not before earning $18,000 annually.
