England’s T20 Cricket World Cup Heroes Meet PM at No10
England’s triumphant Men’s ICC T20 Cricket World Cup team paid a high-profile visit to 10 Downing Street today. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rolled out the red carpet to celebrate their stunning victory and boost grassroots cricket.
Stars Join Forces with Future Black Cricket Talent
- PM greets World Cup-winning England Men’s T20 squad
- Young black cricketers from the ACE programme join proceedings
- Government pledges £600 million investment in school sports
The heroes – including Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes, and coach Matthew Mott – mingled with youngsters from the ACE programme. This initiative aims to uncover and nurture black cricketing talent across the UK. They even took to the Downing Street garden to play a friendly game, showcasing the future of the sport.
The England squad presented Sunak with a team-signed shirt, symbolising their national pride. The PM applauded their memorable win against Pakistan in November’s T20 World Cup final and praised their role in inspiring the next generation to pick up a bat.
Government Backs Inclusion and Grassroots Cricket
Sunak highlighted the ACE programme’s vital work making cricket more accessible to diverse communities. Supported by government funds and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), ACE operates in six inner-city hubs, helping young players enter professional cricketing academies. Since launching in 2020, the scheme also focuses on recruiting coaches and volunteers to boost community engagement.
Rishi Sunak said: “As both Prime Minister and a lifelong cricket fan, it was a pleasure to welcome members of the victorious world cup winning side and young cricketers from the ACE programme to No10 today.”
“This is a hugely exciting time for English cricket, with success on the field across all formats and the Ashes taking place in England this summer.”
“Cricket is a sport for everyone and I know that the success of the team will inspire kids from all backgrounds to get involved in the game.”
“We’re backing that up with over £600 million for school sports and a new requirement for all schools to provide a minimum of two hours of PE a week.”
Building On Success: More Funding, More Access
The men’s T20 World Cup glory adds to England’s recent cricketing honours, following the women’s ICC 50-over World Cup victory in 2017 and the men’s 2019 ICC World Cup 50-over win.
Last week’s government announcement revealed a £600 million boost for school PE and sports over the next two years. This package includes a mandate for at least two hours of weekly PE in schools and ensures equal sporting opportunities for girls and boys during school activities.
This royal reception at Downing Street marks a fresh push to make cricket inclusive and inspire a sporting revolution across the UK.
