British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a groundbreaking £35 million investment in grassroot cricket facilities, marking a significant step towards widening access to the sport and fostering inclusivity within state schools across England and Wales. This ambitious initiative aims to enable over 900,000 young people to actively participate in cricket over the next five years, setting the stage for a transformative era in the sport’s development.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with England and Wales hosting the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and cricket’s long-awaited return to the Olympics after over 120 years. With such momentous occasions on the horizon, the funding package is poised to leave a lasting legacy, paving the way for the growth and accessibility of cricket at all levels of society.
Central to this investment is the construction of 16 state-of-the-art all-weather cricket domes within host cities across England. These domes, equipped with advanced facilities and designed to withstand various weather conditions, will provide year-round access to cricket, connecting school, community, and talent programs. Strategically located within diverse communities with historically low levels of physical activity, these domes aim to break down barriers and create opportunities for engagement with the sport.
Moreover, the funding package will extend the ECB and Chance to Shine’s in-school cricket partnership, focusing on children from lower socio-economic groups and ensuring access to cricket programs for every school child in inner-city locations across the 16 World Cup host cities. Additionally, significant investment will be directed towards the charity Lord’s Taverners, with a particular focus on providing access to cricket provision for 80,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The comprehensive investment is expected to deliver approximately 2,500 pieces of new equipment across participating schools, providing vital resources to support cricket programs and initiatives. Furthermore, the ACE Programme, dedicated to reconnecting the Black community with cricket, will receive additional funding to further its impactful work.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the importance of widening participation in cricket and providing world-class facilities for local communities. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and ensuring that cricket is accessible to everyone, irrespective of background or location.
ECB Chair Richard Thompson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing cricket’s unique ability to reach diverse communities and its potential to become the most inclusive sport in the country. He underscored the significance of the government’s support in enabling the game to invest significantly in areas that have historically lacked adequate resources.
England Men’s cricketer James Anderson welcomed the announcement, acknowledging the importance of providing opportunities for state school students to access cricket. He praised organizations such as Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners, and the ACE Programme for their vital role in expanding cricket’s reach and expressed confidence that the government’s investment would facilitate their efforts.
Chance to Shine CEO Laura Cordingley hailed the funding as fantastic news for cricket, emphasizing the transformative impact that the sport can have on young people’s lives. She highlighted the opportunity to inspire hundreds of thousands more children through cricket, using the sport as a vehicle to teach vital life skills and foster positive futures.
Similarly, Lord’s Taverners CEO Mark Curtin emphasized the life-changing work being done to provide inclusive cricket sessions for young people with disabilities. He celebrated the government’s funding as a means to expand their reach and provide more opportunities for young people to thrive through cricket.
ACE Director of Programmes Chevy Green expressed gratitude for the government’s support, outlining the charity’s plans to enhance its national program support and provide young people with the opportunity to develop their cricket skills and social integration.
Overall, the £35 million investment represents a landmark moment for cricket in England and Wales, heralding a new era of inclusivity, accessibility, and opportunity for young people across the nation. With state-of-the-art facilities, enhanced programs, and dedicated support from government and charitable organizations, cricket is poised to flourish as a sport for all, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Source: ECB Press Release