U19 Women’s T20 WC causing a big jump in number of female coaches, says Snehal Pradhan

New Delhi: Snehal Pradhan, the Manager of Women’s cricket at the International Cricket Council (ICC), believes the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup has been a catalyst in the increase in numbers of female coaches in the game’s age-group system. As per the ICC, the number of females in coaching roles across participating teams has risen from 12 to 20, compared to the inaugural tournament in 2023. Australia, Samoa and Scotland have all-female coaching teams, while Nigeria and South Africa’s coaching teams are staffed by a majority of female members.

South Africa’s Trisha Chetty and England’s Beth Morgan are among the former top international cricketers who will be coaching during the tournament starting on Saturday. Former England senior women’s head coach Lisa Keightley is also part of the Australian coaching team in this U19 World Cup.

“There has been a shift in momentum which is being played out in the numbers at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. We can’t always see what is happening under the surface but now, we’re seeing a big jump in the number of female coaches, which is a testament to the shift.”

“There is a shift in opportunity, in the realisation that there are careers for women who are looking to make their way in the coaching space and that their talent is recognised and nurtured by the Member Boards,” said Snehal, who played six ODIs and four T20Is for India, in a statement. The second edition of the U19 World Cup will begin on Saturday and run till February 2, with India entering the competition as defending champions. Snehal also stated the next target for the ICC will be to increase the number of females taking up head coach roles for the future editions of the tournament. IANS

Also Read: U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will drive more progress: Snehal Pradhan

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