Today we’d like to introduce you to Jig Thakkar.
Hi Jig, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“My name is Jig Thakkar, and I’m an English Cricket Board (ECB) Level 2 coach certified through Middlesex County in the UK. I’ve been coaching youth cricketers for almost a decade now. My coaching journey began at Welwyn Garden City Cricket Club — my home ground at the time — soon after completing my Level 1 certification. What started as a small step into coaching quickly became a lifelong passion, and I haven’t looked back since.
When I moved to the United States in 2018, first to Chicago, I found myself missing cricket deeply — it’s such a big part of who I am. A career opportunity later took me to Dallas, and with its great weather and strong cricketing community, it felt like the perfect place to get involved again. I began by supporting local academies whenever I could, and soon enough, I had the chance to start an academy of my own.
Four years later, we’ve grown from one player to over eight youth teams, with many more players preparing to join next year. Along the way, we’ve learned from our experiences, both successes and mistakes. We have built a clear coaching philosophy: introduce new players to cricket, help them fall in love with the game, and develop them to keep that love alive.
Our program focuses on developing players in every dimension: technical, tactical, physical and mental. With coaches who have played at high levels and a strong support system, we’ve created an environment where players feel like they’re part of a family — the Crown Family.”
Crown Cricket Academy – Building Cricketers for Life.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first arrived, finding quality cricket facilities was one of the biggest hurdles. Cricket wasn’t as established as other sports here, so access to proper nets, pitches, and indoor training spaces was limited, especially for youth programs.
Creating Awareness and Interest:
Introducing cricket to a wider audience in the U.S. meant educating parents and kids who were unfamiliar with the game. Convincing them to give cricket a chance, and showing how it builds character, discipline, and teamwork through consistent effort.
Balancing Standards with Accessibility:
We wanted to deliver coaching at a truly professional level while keeping programs affordable and accessible. Finding that balance between quality and inclusivity was (and still is) a challenge.
Building a Strong Coaching Team:
It wasn’t easy to find qualified coaches who not only had experience but also shared the same philosophy of nurturing young players holistically.
Operational and Logistical Growth:
As we expanded from one player to multiple teams, managing logistics like scheduling, communication, uniforms, tournaments, and travel became a learning curve. We had to put systems in place to stay organized and consistent.
Consistency in Player Commitment:
With so many competing activities for kids — schoolwork, other sports, family time — maintaining regular attendance and long-term commitment required continuous motivation and engagement from both players and parents.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Crown Cricket Academy was founded with one clear mission — to build cricketers for life. We’re more than just an academy; we’re a community that nurtures young players to fall in love with cricket, develop their skills, and grow both on and off the field.
We specialize in youth cricket development, offering structured coaching programs that focus on four key pillars: technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth. From beginners picking up a bat for the first time to competitive players preparing for higher levels, our coaching approach adapts to every stage of a player’s journey.
What sets us apart is our holistic and family-oriented culture. At Crown, every player is part of the Crown Family — an environment built on trust, discipline, and encouragement. Our coaching team includes ECB-certified coaches and former players who bring international experience and a passion for teaching. We emphasize not just performance, but also the mindset, sportsmanship, and resilience that cricket teaches for life beyond the game.
Brand-wise, Crown Cricket Academy stands for excellence with empathy. We combine top-tier coaching standards with an inclusive, nurturing atmosphere. Every player’s success, big or small, is celebrated.
At Crown, we don’t just train athletes —
we build cricketers for life.
Proud Moments at Crown Cricket Academy
At Crown Cricket Academy, we take immense pride in the fact that over 95% of our players are homegrown. Most of them joined us with little or no experience in cricket — we’ve taught them everything from how to hold a bat to how to release the ball with confidence. Watching these young players perform under pressure, especially in challenging game situations, is one of our greatest rewards as coaches.
Our players’ hard work has also been recognized at higher levels, with several being selected for U.S.A Regional/National teams across different age groups — a true testament to their dedication and our player development process.
Our Head Coach, Jig Thakkar, has also been honored with leadership roles, serving as Head Coach for Dallas, USA Women’s, and later the South Central Region, reflecting the trust and respect earned within the cricketing community.
We’re also proud of our partnership with Play Frisco, through which we’ve introduced cricket to over 150 new players in just two years. These programs have helped raise awareness about the sport and bring cricket into the local community — one new player at a time.
We’re also proud to have been featured in The Washington Post (2022) for our grassroots programs — a moment that highlighted our contribution to growing cricket from the ground up in the United States.
Through our partnership with MLC team Washington Freedom, we continue to raise awareness about the game and inspire the next generation of American cricketers.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is that growth takes patience — both for players and for the organization. Building something meaningful doesn’t happen overnight. Coaching isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about nurturing people, earning trust, and creating an environment where players can grow through success and failure.
I’ve learned that every challenge whether it’s limited facilities, new players starting from scratch, or managing expectations, is an opportunity to get better. Consistency, humility, and a genuine love for the game always win in the long run.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that when you focus on doing what’s right for the players — helping them love the game, learn from it, and grow as individuals — everything else naturally follows. That’s what Building Cricketers for Life truly means to me.
Last but not the least, we believe in Connect before Coach. If you can connect with the players they will be open to being coached.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crowncricketacademy.com
- Instagram: @crowncricketacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrownCricketAcademy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crowncricketacademyUSA
