A qualitative study examining the role of a coach as a communicator: Lessons for coach-player relationship in context of the sport of cricket and player retention

Effective communication between coaches and players is a key determinant of player development, motivation, and retention, particularly in women's cricket. This study aimed to prospectively examine coach-player communication (and challenges) within the Japan Women's National Cricket Team using a qualitative research design based on semi-structured interviews with three experienced coaches in New Zealand, a country with a highly developed cricket infrastructure. The study explored coaches' personal and professional growth, values, communication strategies, and approaches to overcoming challenges such as cultural and language differences. The findings indicate that effective communication is multifaceted and encompasses technical instruction, mentorship, trust-building, and guidance that supports personal and competitive growth. Coaches' core values ​(e.g., honesty, integrity, positivity, and team-oriented mentality) directly influence communication practices and player motivation. This first-such study, from a cricketer’s perspective, provides evidence-based insights for improving coach-player communication and player retention in Japan and other developing cricket nations, and highlights the need for a culturally adaptable framework for coaching practice and coaching communication assessment criteria.