How to Become a Cricketer: Complete Guide, Essential Requirements, Skills, and Salary Insights in 2025

March 17, 2025
how to become a cricketer
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Cricket in India is more than a sport; it’s a passion with intense competition.
  • Becoming a cricketer requires physical fitness, technical skills, and a deep understanding of the game.
  • Starting early, joining an academy, and playing in tournaments increase the chances of professional selection.
  • Career opportunities include playing professionally, coaching, commentary, and analysis, with earnings varying based on skill and league participation.

Table of Contents

In India, cricket is more than just a game; it’s like a religion. But is cricket a good career? Every Indian kid playing gully cricket dreams of being the next Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. However, because the sport is so popular, each of us think how to become a cricketer, but we know that becoming a professional cricketer in India is tough. How to become a cricketer in 2025, start by joining a reputable cricket academy to develop your skills and receive proper training.

Essential requirements include physical fitness, technical skills, and a strong understanding of the game, along with opportunities to play in local tournaments to gain experience and exposure. Salary insights vary widely based on skill level and league, with professional players earning significantly more. 

How to Become a Cricketer: A Comprehensive Guide

Cricket is a beloved sport in many countries, especially in India, where it is more than just a game; it is a way of life. If you aspire how to become a cricketer, understanding the journey ahead is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pursue a career in cricket.

Essential Requirements

  1. Practice:
    • Consistent practice is vital. Spend time in the nets to refine your skills, whether you are a batsman, bowler, or all-rounder. Regular practice helps in honing your techniques and improving your performance.
  2. Knowledge of the Game:
    • Familiarize yourself with cricket’s rules, techniques, and strategies. Understanding the equipment and terminology is also important. Watch matches, analyze players, and learn from their techniques.
  3. Physical Fitness:
    • Maintaining peak physical condition is essential. Regular workouts, a balanced diet, and mental conditioning contribute to overall fitness. Focus on strength, agility, and endurance training to enhance your performance on the field.

Skills Development

  1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses:
    • Recognize your strong points, such as fast bowling or aggressive batting, and work on areas that need improvement. Self-assessment and feedback from coaches can help you understand where to focus your efforts.
  2. Join a Cricket Academy:
    • Enroll in a reputable cricket academy for structured training and exposure to competitive environments. Notable academies include:
    • National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru
    • MRF Pace Foundation, Chennai
    • Sehwag Cricket Academy, Various Locations

Pathway to Professional Cricket

  1. Start Early:
    • Ideally, begin training at a young age, around 7-10 years old, to build a strong foundation. Early exposure to the game can significantly enhance your skills and understanding.
  2. Play for School/College Teams:
    • Engage in school or college cricket teams to gain initial experience. This is a great way to develop your skills in a competitive environment.
  3. Participate in Club Cricket:
    • Join local clubs to compete in tournaments, increasing your visibility to selectors. Club cricket provides valuable match experience and helps you build a network within the cricketing community.
  4. Compete in State-Level Tournaments:
    • Aim to play in prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which can lead to national selection. Performing well in these tournaments can catch the attention of scouts and selectors.

Career Opportunities Beyond Playing

  1. Explore Other Roles:
    • If playing professionally doesn’t work out, consider careers in coaching, sports commentary, journalism, or administration within the cricketing world. There are various avenues in the sports industry that can utilize your cricket knowledge and experience.

Financial Insights

  1. Understanding Financial Stability:
    • Early in your career, financial stability may be uncertain. Proper financial planning, including saving and understanding sponsorship opportunities, is essential. Be proactive in managing your finances and seek advice if needed.
  2. Salary Expectations:
    • Earnings can vary significantly based on skill level, league participation, and endorsements. When exploring how to become a cricketer, top players can earn substantial amounts through contracts and sponsorships, while emerging players may start with lower earnings. Understanding the financial landscape of cricket can help you plan your career better.
how to become a cricketer

Many schools let students play cricket with other schools or at the state level. However, few schools encourage students to pursue cricket as a career after high school, even if they are very talented. Most Indian parents also don’t want their children to focus on cricket because they think it’s a waste of time. However, if you’re passionate about playing cricket professionally, you can succeed with grit and determination. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pursue a career in cricket.
In this blog, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide to help you wear the blue jersey and learn how to become a cricketer in India.

What Does It Take to Become a Cricketer?

how to become a cricketer

Becoming a cricketer requires more than just talent. It takes dedication, hard work, and a strong passion for the game. Here are some key qualities you’ll need:

  • Physical fitness
  • Mental toughness
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Discipline and commitment

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Cricketer in India

How to Become a cricketer in India is a dream for many, given the sport’s immense popularity and cultural significance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your journey to becoming a professional cricketer in India. Here is a step by step guide for you on how to become a cricketer:

1. Start Early

The journey to become a cricketer often begins at a young age. Many successful cricketers started playing as children like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli. If you’re a student interested in cricket, now is the perfect time to start!

2. Learn the Basics

To become a cricketer, you need to understand the game inside out. Here’s what you should focus on:

  • Rules of cricket
  • Different formats (Test, ODI, T20)
  • Basic techniques for batting, bowling, and fielding

3. Practice Regularly

Malcolm Gladwell says you can become an expert by practicing anything for more than 10,000 hours. If you want a career in cricket, you need to master the game. As a batter, you need to face the bowling machine for hours. As a bowler, you need to keep practicing your bowling. You will only get better if you put in the effort on the practice field.

Don’t miss any chance to practice, but make sure it’s fun and enjoyable. If you don’t enjoy the game, you won’t be able to focus and improve. Don’t let practice feel like a chore!

4. Join a Cricket Club or Academy

Joining a cricket club or academy is an important step to become a cricketer. Here’s why:

  • Professional coaching
  • Access to better facilities
  • Opportunity to play matches
  • Chance to network with other aspiring cricketers

5. Develop Your Skills

To become a successful cricketer, you need to constantly improve your skills. Focus on:

  • Batting techniques
  • Bowling variations
  • Fielding drills
  • Physical fitness

6. Play in School and Local Tournaments

Participating in tournaments is crucial to gain experience and exposure. Look for opportunities to play in:

  • School competitions
  • Local club matches
  • District-level tournaments

7. Focus on Education

While working to become a cricketer, don’t neglect your studies. A good education is important for:

  • Developing critical thinking skills
  • Having a backup plan
  • Understanding the business side of cricket

8. Watch and Learn from Professional Cricketers

One of the best ways to improve and become a cricketer is to study the professionals. Pay attention to:

  • Their techniques
  • How they handle pressure
  • Their fitness routines
  • Their mental approach to the game

9. Work on Your Mental Strength

Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. To become a cricketer, you need to:

  • Develop concentration skills
  • Learn to handle pressure
  • Build confidence
  • Stay motivated during tough times

10. Seek Guidance from Experienced Players and Coaches

Don’t hesitate to ask for help on your journey to become a cricketer. Experienced players and coaches can provide:

  • Valuable advice
  • Feedback on your performance
  • Tips to improve your game

How to Become a cricketer in India requires dedication, hard work, and a strategic approach. By following these steps and remaining committed to your goals, you can turn your dream of playing cricket professionally into reality. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and enjoy the game!

How to Become a Professional Cricketer

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are the steps on how to become a professional cricketer:

  • Excel in School and Club Cricket: Perform consistently well in your school and local matches.
  • Get Selected for District and State Teams: Impress selectors with your performances to move up the ranks.
  • Aim for National-Level Tournaments: Participate in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy or Vijay Hazare Trophy.
  • Catch the Eye of IPL Scouts: Performing well in domestic cricket can lead to opportunities in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
  • Aim for the National Team: Consistent performances at all levels can lead to selection for the national team.

Also Read: National game of India – Cricket, Hockey or Kabaddi?

Skills Required to Become a Cricketer 

The first and foremost thing that comes to how to become a cricketer is your skills. The candidate must choose to be a batter, bowler, or wicketkeeper. Based on your choice, the skills are decided.   

1. Technical Skills 

  • A batter needs to work on different batting techniques. They need to determine the length of the ball and should have great reflexes. They must work on good hand-eye coordination to study the ball and flexibility. 
  • A bowler needs to work on different bowling styles. If the bowler wants to be a spinner, they must practice on different spins, like leg and off spin. 
  • If a bowler wants to be a pacer, they need to practice on in-swing, out-swing, and yorkers. The bowler should concentrate on the line and length of the bowl. 
  • A keeper needs to work on managing behind the stumps. They should have high reflexes for stumping and catching the balls. 

2. Physical Skills 

  • If you are looking at how to become a cricketer, having good physical skills is a crucial part of it. 
  • They should have excellent cardiovascular fitness and the best accuracy across short distances. 
  • They should have an excellent core body and upper body strength. They should have proper weight to endure the physical strain of the game. 

3. Mental Skills 

  • The player should have high concentration skills. They should be able to handle pressure in crunch situations. 

4. Communication Skills 

  • Communication skills are important when you are playing with a team. You must coordinate with the players to win the match against the opponent.  
  • The players should have good communication skills to help them understand other players on the team. 
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How to Become a Woman Cricketer in India

Women’s Cricket is also a very important for those girls who want to know how to become a cricketer in India. It becomes popular and people start noticing the caliber of young girls playing cricket. So let’s dive into how to become a cricketer girl:

1. Women’s Cricket in India 

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team debuted in 1976, playing their first test against West Indies. They made their ODI debut in 1978 and T20I debut in 2006 against England. The current captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team is Harmanpreet Kaur.  

2. Opportunities for Women in Cricket 

  • With the rise of several international leagues worldwide, like WBBL, The Hundred, and WPL, women’s cricket is getting a lot of attention. 
  • Young girls all over can now dream of representing India by starting their careers in domestic leagues and playing for different international companies. 

3. Challenges Faced by Women in Cricket 

  • Apart from global leagues, international women’s cricket is limited. Few countries play the maximum amount of cricket. 
  • With a huge talent pool, India needs to organize more international tournaments so that our Indian women players can get more exposure. 

4. Steps to Becoming a Professional Female Cricketer in India 

  • Join a professional cricket academy. 
  • Work on your fitness. 
  • Participate in domestic and state-level tournaments. 
  • Play in international professional leagues and WPL. 

Renowned Cricket Academies in India

After knowing how to become a cricketer, let’s find out the best cricket academies in India:

Academy NameFounded ByLocationWebsite (if available)
National Cricket Academy (NCA)BCCIBengaluru, Karnataka(No Official Website)
Karnataka Institute of Cricket (KIOC)N/ABengaluru, Karnatakakioc.net
MRF Cricket Academy MRF LimitedChennai, Tamil Nadumrftyres.com
Sachin Tendulkar Cricket Academy (STCA)Sachin TendulkarMumbai, Maharashtrafacebook.com/mcasak
Sehwag Cricket Academy (SCA)Virender SehwagMultiple Locationssehwagacademy.com
Virat Kohli Cricket AcademyVirat KohliMultiple Locations(No Official Website)
Yadavindra Cricket Academy (YCA)Yograj SinghChandigarh(No Official Website)
Lele Cricket AcademySubhash LelePune, Maharashtra(No Official Website)
Sonnet Cricket ClubN/AMumbai, Maharashtra(No Official Website)
Jaipuria Cricket AcademyShamsher SinghJaipur, Rajasthanjaipuriacricketacademy.com

Also Read:

Career Opportunities in Cricket

Becoming a cricketer opens up various career opportunities:

  • Professional player
  • Coach
  • Commentator
  • Cricket analyst
  • Umpire
  • Sports journalist

Salary of a Cricketer in India (2024)

After looking at how to become a cricketer, let’s look at the Indian cricket team’s salary in 2024:

1. Domestic Cricketer’s Salary 

Here is the India’s domestic cricketer salary:

CategorySalary (Per Match)
U-19 PlayersRs 20,000
U-23 PlayersRs 25,000
U-16 PlayersRs 7,000
Senior Players (Ranji/Duleep Trophy)Rs 60,000
Senior Women’s PlayersRs 20,000

2. International Cricketer’s Salary

Here is the India national cricket team cricketer salary:

CategoryDetailsSalary (Per Annum)
Men’s Cricket TeamGrade A+Rs 7 crores
Grade ARs 5 crores
Grade BRs 3 crores
Grade CRs 1 crores
Women’s Cricket TeamGrade ARs 50 lakhs
Grade BRs 30 lakhs
Grade CRs 10 lakhs

Challenges in Becoming a Cricketer

The path to become a cricketer isn’t always smooth. Here are some challenges you might face:

  • Intense competition
  • Balancing cricket and studies
  • Physical and mental stress
  • Financial constraints
  • Dealing with failures and setbacks

Remember, every successful cricketer has faced these challenges. Your determination on how to become a cricketer will help you overcome them.

Tips to Become a Successful Cricketer

Here are some crucial tips on how to become a cricketer:

  1. Stay dedicated and passionate about the game
  2. Maintain a balanced diet and fitness routine
  3. Be open to learning and taking feedback
  4. Develop good sportsmanship
  5. Stay humble and grounded
  6. Never give up on your dream to become a cricketer

Conclusion

I hope now you get the answer to the question “How to Become a Cricketer?” Becoming a cricketer is a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for the game. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set yourself on the path to cricket success. Every great cricketer started exactly where you are now. With persistence and the right approach, you too can achieve your dream of becoming a cricketer.

Remember, the journey to become a cricketer is unique for everyone. Stay focused, work hard, and never lose sight of your goal. With determination and the right guidance, you can turn your dream of becoming a cricketer into reality!

So, are you ready to pad up and step onto the pitch? Your cricket journey starts now!

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our Guide on Career Advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How can I become an IPL player?

To become an IPL player:

Train & Join an Academy – Develop skills early.
Play Local & State Matches – Gain experience.
Excel in Domestic Cricket – Perform in top tournaments.
Attend IPL Trials – Showcase your talent.
Get Noticed by Scouts – Consistency is key.
Enter IPL Auction – If shortlisted, get selected.

Q2. How to start a career in cricket?

To start a career in cricket:

1) You should meet the age requirement.
2) Pass the physical fitness tests.
3) Have basic cricket knowledge.
4) Have technical skills and ability to adapt fast.
5) Should be dedicated towards one goal i.e. to play for Indian Cricket Team.

Q3. Is 12 too late to start cricket?

No, 12 is not too late to start cricket! Many professional cricketers began training seriously at this age. With dedication, regular practice, and proper coaching, you can develop your skills and compete at higher levels. Focus on fitness, technique, and game awareness, and consider joining a cricket academy for structured training.

Q4. Can I become cricketer after 12th?

Yes, you can become a cricketer after 12th. Just be dedicated towards sports and be ready to give your 100% to the game. You can achieve great heights in the field.

Q5. What is IPL age limit?

The IPL age limit requires a player to be at least 19 years old to register for the auction. However, players aged 16-18 can still be selected if they have played domestic or international cricket. There is no upper age limit, meaning experienced players can also participate.

Q6. How can I join a cricket academy in India?

To join a cricket academy in India, follow these steps:

1. Research cricket academies in your area or desired location.
2. Check the academy’s website for admission requirements and age criteria.
3. Prepare a cricket resume highlighting your skills and experience.
4. Contact the academy to inquire about trial dates and application procedures.
5. Attend trials or selection camps as per the academy’s schedule.
6. Complete the registration process if selected, including payment of fees and submission of necessary documents.

Q7. What is the salary of a cricketer?

Domestic: Earn a daily match fee based on experience in tournaments like Ranji Trophy (₹40,000 – ₹60,000 per day).
International: Receive an annual BCCI contract (₹1 Crore – ₹7 Crore) based on grade (A+ to C) plus match fees.

Q8. How much money needed to become a cricketer?

The cost to become a cricketer varies. Academies range from free to ₹1 lakh annually, and basic equipment costs ₹10,000-₹15,000. Focus on skills first, using scholarships or used equipment if needed. Talent and hard work are key!

Q9. How to become a cricketer without academy?

1. Practice daily: improvise with a wall or homemade bowling machine.
2. Learn from the pros: watch tutorials and analyze techniques.
3. Find matches: join local clubs, street cricket, or tournaments.
4. Improve yourself: film yourself, analyze weaknesses, and seek guidance.
5. Get noticed: network, attend events, and showcase your talent.

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