When parents look for a cricket academy for their child, "ICC-certified coaches" appears as a credential on many marketing materials. But what does it actually mean? What does an ICC certification tell you about a coach's knowledge and teaching ability — and what questions should you ask?
What Is the ICC?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket. It sets the rules of the game, governs international competitions, and — critically — administers the global coaching education framework. When a coach holds ICC certification, it means they have been assessed against internationally recognized standards for cricket coaching knowledge and practice.
The ICC Coaching Education Programme operates in partnership with national cricket boards, including USA Cricket. In the United States, certifications are administered through USA Cricket in collaboration with ICC standards.
The ICC Coaching Certification Levels
ICC Coaching Foundation
Entry-level certification covering basic coaching principles, fundamental cricket skills, and safe practice environments. Appropriate for coaches working with beginners and young children (ages 5–12). Requires practical assessment and a safeguarding module.
ICC Level 1 Coach
Covers structured skill development, session planning, and group coaching methods. Coaches at this level can independently plan and deliver training for recreational and development players. Required for most club-level coaching roles.
ICC Level 2 Coach
Advanced technical knowledge covering batting, bowling, fielding, and wicketkeeping mechanics in depth. Includes player analysis, program design, and performance feedback. Coaches at this level can work with representative and elite junior squads.
ICC High Performance Coach
The highest level of ICC certification — equivalent to national or professional coaching standards. Coaches at this level have typically worked at senior national or professional T20 league level. Very few coaches in North America hold this certification.
Why Certification Matters
Many cricket coaches in the United States — particularly at community and club level — have played the game but have never been formally trained to teach it. Playing a sport and coaching it are fundamentally different skills. A batsman who scored thousands of runs may have internalized technique unconsciously and struggle to break it down for a 9-year-old who has never held a bat.
ICC certification proves a coach understands: how to observe and analyze technique, how to give corrective feedback that a child can actually act on, how to structure a session that builds skills progressively, and how to create a safe and inclusive training environment.
What to Ask When Evaluating a Coach
- What ICC certification level do you hold?
- How many seasons have you been coaching (separate from playing)?
- Do you hold a current safeguarding/child protection certificate?
- Can you describe how you would correct a specific technical flaw in a young batter?
Sixers Sports Center's Coaching Standards
Every coach at Sixers Sports Center holds ICC certification with professional playing experience at national or international level. We don't hire coaches based on playing reputation alone — coaching ability is separately assessed. Our head coaches hold Level 2 and above, with direct experience in USA Cricket regional development programs.
Meet Our Certified Coaches
Come and meet the Sixers coaching staff in person. Book a free 90-minute trial session for your child — no commitment, just cricket.
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