ICC Level 3 Coaching Course Launches Globally – Coaching Education Grows Stronger

ICC Level 3 Coaching Course Launch Marks New Era in Global Cricket Education

ICC's Training and Education Programme Gains Global Momentum

Cricket continues to grow well beyond traditional boundaries, and at the heart of this transformation is the ICC’s Training and Education Programme. Launched in 2021, this initiative has rapidly evolved into one of the sport’s most impactful global development tools. With over 30,000 course completions across 173 countries, the programme has not only expanded cricket's reach but also redefined how coaching, umpiring, and pitch curation are approached worldwide.

In a significant step forward, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially launched its Level 3 Coaching Course, positioning it as the pinnacle of its education framework. Designed to elevate elite coaching standards, this course helps experienced coaches create high-performing environments, nurture talent, and build sustainable cricket cultures at every level.

The Importance of the ICC Level 3 Coaching Course

The Level 3 Coaching Course is more than just a qualification it's a leadership tool. It focuses on helping coaches build strong, inclusive team cultures, adapt strategies to player needs, and manage complex dynamics within competitive teams. By equipping coaches with tools that extend beyond technique and drills, the course helps bridge the gap between domestic and international-level coaching.

The inaugural edition was held in Bhutan this April, led by ICC-certified Master Educators. The next is scheduled to take place in Bahrain, with more courses planned through 2025 as part of the ICC’s broader ambition to build coaching capacity globally.

2024: A Breakout Year for Cricket Education

The ICC Training and Education Programme experienced a record-breaking year in 2024, with 12,769 certifications accounting for 42% of all certifications since the programme began. This spike underscores a growing appetite for structured, high-quality education in cricket's rapidly expanding ecosystem.

Courses are now being delivered in 14 languages, through local experts trained to reflect the unique needs and cultural contexts of their regions. From community clubs to high-performance academies, this decentralized delivery model empowers Member Boards to take control of their development pipelines.

According to ICC General Manager of Development, William Glenwright, “We now offer a complete coaching journey from first introductions to cricket all the way to elite-level preparation. This is a game-changer for how the sport is taught and understood across different levels.”

Inclusivity at the Forefront

One of the most impactful aspects of the ICC Training and Education initiative is its emphasis on inclusion and gender equity. The ICC currently boasts 41 certified Master Coach Educators and 17 Master Umpire Educators 41% of whom are women. With women making up 16% of all course participants, the ICC has set a clear target of reaching 50% female participation.

Former Australia international and ICC Hall of Fame inductee Cathryn Fitzpatrick, now a Master Educator herself, highlighted how the presence of female coaches can reshape player development. “Most female cricketers playing for their country may have never been coached by a woman,” she said. “When they see that representation, it gives them a pathway and belief that coaching is not just an option it’s an opportunity.”

Local Voices, Global Impact

Cricket Australia's Head of National Development, Sonya Thompson, echoed the importance of local delivery. “We’ve had such a beautifully diverse group of people come together. It’s about helping coaches understand the complexity of dealing with various cultures. That’s what really adds depth to this programme.”

This local-first philosophy ensures coaches are trained in relevant environments, using region-specific challenges and opportunities as a base for learning. It also guarantees that the sport grows in ways that are authentic and sustainable, led by individuals who truly understand their communities.

Expanding Influence Across Roles

While coaching is a major focus, the ICC’s education efforts also extend to umpiring and pitch curation. The top-performing courses to date reflect this wide appeal:

• ICC Umpiring Foundation: 4,599 completions

• ICC Coaching Foundation Certificate: 4,263 completions

• ICC Pitch Curator Foundation: 437 completions

These numbers reflect the ICC’s understanding that improving cricket infrastructure isn't limited to what happens on the pitch it also includes who manages it and how the game is interpreted and regulated.

Looking Ahead: Building Cricket’s Future, One Coach at a Time

The ICC's vision for this programme is long-term. With additional Level 2 and Level 1 courses rolled out in 2024, and a plan for continued expansion in 2025, the organization is laying the groundwork for a global education network that matches cricket’s evolving competitive and cultural landscape.

Every new certification whether for a community-level umpire in Kenya or a women’s coach in Malaysia is a step toward a more connected, skilled, and inclusive cricketing world. As cricket pushes into new markets and welcomes new audiences, the ICC Training and Education Programme remains a cornerstone of its global strategy.