Team Blitz India
LONDON: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a US$44 million (GBP£35 million) package to promote grassroots cricket in the country.
The funding will be used for the construction of 16 new urban all-weather cricket domes within England that will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
According to an official statement, the domes will be covered and wind-protected to allow for cricket practice throughout the year. The first cricket dome opened in Bradford in November last year.
As per the statement, the funding will enable an extension to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Chance to Shine’s inschool cricket partnership. As a result, children from lower socio-economic groups, and school children in inner-city locations will also have access to the programme.
A part of the investment will also go to the non-profit Lord’s Taverners which will make the sport accessible for 80,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities.
In addition, the ACE Programme will receive additional funding to support their work in reconnecting the black community with cricket. Commenting on the initiative, the Indian-origin PM said, “I first experienced the magic of cricket watching Hampshire play at my local ground in Southampton as a child.”
“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 healthy lifestyles and provide world class, all-yearround facilities for local communities.”
Welcoming the announcement, ECB chair Richard Thompson said, “We are delighted by this investment from the Government. It’s our ambition that cricket becomes the most inclusive sport in the country and that starts by giving children the chance to play from an early age and from whatever background or community they come from.”
