ECB commits to multi-year investment to widen access and opportunity in cricket

The ECB and its official charity and delivery partners have today announced increased funding commitments which will take cricket to more people over the next three years, supporting the game’s ambition to become the most inclusive team sport in England and Wales. 

Between 2026 and 2028, over £15 million of ECB funding has been agreed across the charity and delivery partners - Lord’s Taverners, Chance to Shine, the MCC Foundation, the African Caribbean Engagement Programme (ACE) and the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) - to continue to offer free cricket in state schools and SEND settings, strengthen talent pathways for underrepresented groups, and support more Black and South Asian players to progress in the game. 

In November, the ECB’s State of Equity in Cricket Report provided a comprehensive update on the work happening across the sport to make it more accessible and inclusive. The collaboration between the ECB and its partners is an important strand in these efforts to take cricket to communities across England and Wales. 

The direct impact of the funding commitments for each charity and delivery partner is outlined on the ECB website.

Mark Curtin, CEO of Lord’s Taverners, said, “This renewed commitment from the ECB is a powerful endorsement of the life-changing impact of disability cricket and the importance of ensuring every young person has the chance to play. Through our work in SEND and ALN settings, and Super 1s community hubs, we are breaking down barriers for young people living with a disability, creating inclusive environments where they can develop life-skills and confidence through the game. Together, we are building a future where every young person with a disability across England and Wales has the opportunity to experience the joy and belonging that cricket can bring.” 

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our charity and delivery partners are harnessing the power of cricket to change lives by providing more opportunities for children in schools, people living with disabilities, and those talented players looking to move through pathways towards the professional game.     

“This investment is about scaling that brilliant work and accelerating our progress towards becoming the most inclusive team sport. Together with Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners, the MCC Foundation, ACE and SACA, we want every child—whatever their background, school or postcode—to have the chance to fall in love with cricket and to go as far as their talent and ambition will take them.”