Sunak Pledges £35 Million to Boost Grassroots Cricket and State Schools
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a whopping £35 million cash injection to supercharge grassroots cricket across England. The funding aims to upgrade facilities and open doors for state school kids to play the sport. This comes just as England and Wales prepare to host major events like the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2030 Men’s T20 World Cup, plus cricket’s big Olympic comeback after more than 100 years.
16 New Cricket Domes to Deliver Year-Round Action
The investment includes a major capital project to build 16 cutting-edge all-weather cricket domes in urban areas. These high-tech hubs will allow players to practice all year long, helping schools, local clubs, and talent squads. The domes will be strategically placed in communities with low physical activity to get more people off the sofa and into the crease.
Cricket for All: Schools, Special Needs, and Inner Cities
- Funding extends the ECB and Chance to Shine’s partnership, targeting children from disadvantaged backgrounds in 16 World Cup host cities.
- Lord’s Taverners charity will use part of the pot to support 80,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities, providing them with access to cricket.
- 2,500 pieces of cricket kit will be delivered to participating schools, aiming to engage nearly a million pupils over the next five years.
Cricket Stars and Chiefs Cheer the Game-Changer
Rishi Sunak stressed: “Widening participation in cricket promotes healthy lifestyles and world-class community facilities. Organisations like ACE and Chance to Shine are vital to this goal.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson added: “This investment is a boost as cricket aims to be the UK’s most inclusive sport. Every child deserves a chance to play.”
England ace James Anderson welcomed the move, praising Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners, and ACE for expanding cricket’s reach among youth.
Chance to Shine CEO Laura Cordingley called the funding “fantastic news” that will transform young lives through cricket.
Lord’s Taverners CEO Mark Curtin highlighted the success of inclusive cricket sessions for kids with disabilities.
ACE Director Chevrolet Green thanked the government, noting the funding’s key role in helping the charity grow and nurture young talent.
This bold investment cements cricket’s future at the grassroots, ensuring the game thrives and reaches all communities across the nation.
