Revolutionary Coach Equity Programme Set to Transform Cricket Coaching

A New Era for Cricket Coaching

In a groundbreaking announcement, Parity Sports, the parent company of Test Twenty, unveiled a 'Coach Equity Programme' aimed at revolutionizing the cricket coaching landscape. This initiative, revealed on Wednesday, will provide cricket coaches worldwide with real equity stakes in the sport. Test Twenty introduces a novel format featuring four innings of 20 overs.

A Shift in Recognition and Reward

Launched in the festive spirit of Christmas, this programme signifies a major shift in how cricket acknowledges and rewards those who influence the sport's future. For the first time, coaches will transition from being mere contributors to becoming stakeholders in the platform they help develop.

Introducing Coach Equity Points

The initiative will allow coaches to earn Coach Equity Points (CEPs), a digital reward system that recognizes their significant contributions to the Test Twenty ecosystem. By mentoring young cricketers within a framework of fairness and transparency, coaches will directly enhance access to genuine opportunities. These points will accumulate throughout the season and convert into actual equity in Parity Sports at the end of each cycle, making coaches true shareholders. This model ensures that those who nurture talent also share in the value they create.

Praise from Cricket Veterans

Madan Lal, a World Cup-winning cricketer and former coach, highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, "The Test Twenty Coach Equity Programme is not just an initiative; it represents a significant shift that places grassroots coaches at the forefront of cricket's evolution. By granting them a stake in the ecosystem, we are elevating their contributions."

Niranjan Shah, a former BCCI Secretary, noted how this initiative aligns with Test Twenty's broader vision, saying, "Having witnessed cricket's evolution over the years, I see the Test Twenty format as a visionary step that connects the traditional essence of Test cricket with modern dynamics, providing young talent from all backgrounds a genuine platform to excel."

Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer and prominent commentator, emphasized the historic recognition of grassroots coaching, remarking, "For too long, grassroots coaches have been the unsung heroes behind every star player. Test Twenty's initiative finally gives them a stake in the future they help create, marking a revolutionary change for the sport."

Global Recognition of the Initiative

International cricket figures have lauded this initiative as transformative. Phil Simmons, Head Coach of Bangladesh and former coach of Afghanistan, Ireland, and West Indies, remarked on its significance for coaching professionals globally, stating, "This is not just another initiative; it's a profound shift in how we perceive cricket's growth. By including coaches in the equity framework, Test Twenty ensures that those who develop talent are rewarded and empowered. It is a game-changing vision."

Vision of the Founder: Honoring Coaches

Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder and CEO of Test Twenty, expressed his thoughts on the announcement, stating, "Before the fans, before the accolades, there is always a grassroots coach. They are the ones who discover talent early, nurture it, and often fade into the background. Cricketing nations are built by coaches but remembered by players. This programme aims to change that narrative respectfully and permanently."

Philosophy and Participation in the Programme

This initiative represents a fundamental rethinking of cricket's ecosystem, focusing on merit rather than politics, inclusivity in opportunity while being selective in impact, and fostering long-term value over immediate rewards. It aims to shift recognition from mere visibility to meaningful contribution and from participation to true ownership.

The programme operates as an invitation rather than a formal application process, welcoming grassroots coaches worldwide who are shaping the next generation of cricketers. Coaches from various backgrounds, including individual champions, academy leaders, and personal mentors, are encouraged to engage in dialogue by reaching out to coach@testtwenty.com, eliminating the need for forms or public enrollment.