Job Description

We are developing a competitive senior cricket programme in Dubai and is seeking an experienced Head Cricket Coach to lead the sporting development and performance of the club.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for team performance, training, player development, recruitment, trials, squad selection, and match preparation. The successful candidate will also contribute to establishing the club’s playing philosophy, coaching structure, and long-term sporting strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the performance and development of the senior team.
• Plan, structure, and lead senior-team training programmes and sessions.
• Develop and implement the club’s playing philosophy and coaching methodology.
• Lead match preparation, tactical planning, and matchday management.
• Develop game plans based on opposition, playing conditions, and squad strengths.
• Lead player recruitment, trials, assessment, and squad selection.
• Identify squad requirements across batting, bowling, wicketkeeping, and fielding.
• Assess prospective players and provide recommendations to club management.
• Develop players technically, tactically, and strategically.
• Establish Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and conduct regular player reviews.
• Set and maintain professional standards for training, attendance, discipline, preparation, and performance.
• Utilise video analysis and performance data where appropriate.
• Manage player workloads and competitive preparation in coordination with relevant performance staff.
• Assist with the recruitment and management of assistant and specialist coaches.
• Develop leadership within the playing group.
• Contribute to long-term squad planning and the sporting strategy.
• Work closely with club management on the continued development of the cricket programme.

Requirements

• Proven experience coaching senior/adult cricket teams.
• Previous experience as a Head Coach, Senior Assistant Coach, or Performance Coach is highly desirable.
• Strong technical knowledge of batting, bowling, fielding, and wicketkeeping.
• Strong understanding of modern cricket tactics and match strategy.
• Proven experience in player assessment, trials, recruitment, and squad selection.
• Strong leadership and player-management capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively with players from diverse cultural and cricketing backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills.
• Professional approach to training, match preparation, and performance management.
• Experience in professional, first-class, franchise, national, academy, or other high-performance cricket environments is an advantage.
• Previous UAE or Gulf cricket experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Former professional playing experience is an advantage but not essential.

Mandatory Coaching Qualification

Candidates must hold at least an ICC Coaching Level 1 qualification or a recognized equivalent qualification issued by a national cricket governing body.

Higher-level qualifications will be strongly preferred, including:

• ICC Coaching Level 2
• ICC Coaching Level 3
• ECB coaching qualifications or recognised equivalent
• Cricket Australia coaching qualifications or recognised equivalent
• Other recognised national governing body coaching qualifications

Coaching qualifications will be assessed alongside the candidate’s senior coaching experience, playing background, leadership experience, and track record of player development.

Benefits

• Full-time position based in Dubai, UAE
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• UAE employment visa
• Medical insurance
• Opportunity to play a key role in building a competitive senior cricket programme
• Significant involvement in player recruitment, trials, and squad selection
• Opportunity to contribute to the recruitment of assistant and specialist coaching staff
• Direct involvement in the sporting development and long-term strategy of the cricket club
• Relocation support, where applicable, to be discussed with shortlisted candidates