A state-of-the-art indoor cricket dome is set to be built in London as part of the Government’s new £35million investment in grassroots cricket, announced on Friday morning.
In total, 16 domes will be constructed in cities set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and Men’s T20 World Cup four years later.
While those cities have not yet been finalised, it is understood the capital is certain to be among them, with the government saying all 16 domes will be located in “diverse communities where figures have indicated low levels of physical activity”.
The first facility of its kind was opened in Bradford in October, funded by the ECB and the city council at a cost of £1.5m and featuring both retractable nets and space for indoor matchplay, allowing cricket to be played all year round.
The new government package, to be delivered over the next five years, also includes an additional £14m of funding for charities Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taveners and ACE, all of which work to make cricket more accessible to underrepresented groups such as state school children, those with disabilities and the African and Caribbean communities.
ECB chair Richard Thompson said the announcement represented a “seminal moment in enabling the game to invest significantly in areas that up until now have not had the support they deserve”.
Cricket was heavily criticised in the damning ICEC report published last year, which found discrimination on account of class, sex and race to still be rife in the game.
“I know from first-hand experience that accessing cricket from a state school is not always the easiest route into the game, so it’s fantastic to hear that today’s announcement will support state school students,” said England great James Anderson.
“Chance To Shine, Lord’s Taverners and the ACE Programme all play a huge role in helping to take cricket to young people.
“It’s important that they are supported by the ECB and the Government in delivering their programmes across England and Wales, and I’m sure today’s announcement will help bring more young people into cricket.”
The move is part of the government’s wider push to get one million more young people active by 2030.
“I first experienced the magic of cricket watching Hampshire play at my local ground in Southampton as a child,” said prime minister Rishi Sunak. “For young people watching their first match today, the draw of getting outside and enjoying the game is just as strong, particularly as we look forward to hosting the Women’s and Men’s T20 World Cups.
“There remains huge potential to grow the sport even further and open it up to everyone, from all backgrounds and in all parts of the country, building on the great work of organisations such as ACE and Chance to Shine.
“That is why I am so proud we are making a major £35 million investment in grassroots cricket today, to widen participation in schools, encourage health lifestyles and provide world class, all-year-round facilities for local communities.”
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