Test Twenty Coach Equity Programme Puts Coaches First

Test Twenty Coach Equity Programme offers real ownership to coaches worldwide

Test Twenty has taken a step that many in world cricket have spoken about for years, but never acted on. The launch of its Coach Equity Programme marks a rare moment where the people who build the sport at ground level are placed at the centre of its future, not just in words, but through real ownership.

For decades, cricket has grown on the backs of coaches who work quietly in local academies, school grounds, public parks, and small clubs. These coaches often identify talent early, guide young players through failure, and help them develop discipline and confidence. Yet, once players move ahead, the system rewards teams, boards, leagues, and sponsors far more than the mentors who shaped the journey. Test Twenty’s new programme directly responds to this long-standing imbalance.

Parity Sports, the parent company behind Test Twenty, already operates one of the largest youth cricket platforms in the world. Youth cricket has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, especially in countries outside the traditional power centres. However, many young players still face limited access to fair opportunities, while coaches receive little recognition beyond match fees or local respect. The Coach Equity Programme connects coaching work to long-term value creation, something rarely seen in sport.

The idea of Coach Equity Points builds on models used in technology start-ups, where contributors earn ownership through effort rather than cash investment. In sport, this approach is almost unheard of. By converting coaching contributions into equity in Parity Sports, the programme allows coaches to benefit if the platform grows. This also creates accountability, as coaches are encouraged to support a system built on fairness, transparency, and merit.

Cricket history shows that strong grassroots systems lead to strong national teams. Countries like Australia and England invested heavily in structured coaching pathways decades ago, while India’s recent rise has been supported by academy networks and domestic depth. Yet, in most systems, coaches remain outside decision-making and ownership. Test Twenty’s model changes this by turning coaches into partners rather than service providers.

The support from respected cricket figures adds weight to the initiative. Madan Lal’s comments reflect a wider truth within Indian cricket, where many former players have spoken about the lack of support for coaches working at junior levels. His World Cup experience gives credibility to the idea that strong foundations matter more than short-term success.

Niranjan Shah’s remarks link the programme to Test Twenty’s broader vision. The format itself aims to combine the values of Test cricket with modern energy, appealing to younger players while respecting tradition. This balance mirrors the equity programme, which blends old coaching values with modern business thinking.

Aakash Chopra’s observation highlights another important reality. Many famous players regularly credit their early coaches, but the system rarely remembers these names. By offering ownership, Test Twenty moves recognition from emotional appreciation to financial participation, which is a stronger and more lasting form of respect.

International voices like Phil Simmons underline that this is not only an Indian or regional idea. Coaching challenges are similar across countries. In the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of Asia, coaches often work with limited resources but produce high-quality talent. Giving them equity helps create a global coaching community with shared interests in the sport’s future.

Gaurav Bahirvani’s statement captures the emotional core of the programme. His words reflect a deep understanding of how cricket stories are written. Players become heroes, while coaches disappear from public memory. The programme quietly corrects this imbalance without noise or confrontation, offering dignity rather than drama.

The invitation-based structure also matters. Many development schemes fail because of heavy paperwork or political selection. By keeping the entry process simple and personal, Test Twenty lowers barriers for coaches from small towns and remote regions. This is important because some of the world’s best cricketers have come from places with little infrastructure but strong mentorship.

The programme’s focus on long-term value instead of quick rewards sets it apart from typical incentives. Cricket has seen many short-lived leagues and promises that fade with time. Equity creates patience and shared responsibility, encouraging coaches to think beyond a single season.

Overall, the Coach Equity Programme signals a shift in how cricket measures contribution. It recognises that the future of the game depends not only on stars and administrators, but on those who teach basics, correct mistakes, and believe in young players before anyone else does. If successful, this initiative could influence other sports to rethink how they treat their grassroots builders, making Test Twenty’s move not just historic for cricket but meaningful for sport as a whole.