{{Short description|Governing body of cricket in England and Wales}} {{Use British English|date=April 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox Sport governing body | assocname = England and Wales Cricket Board | abbrev = ECB | logo =England and Wales Cricket Board.svg | sport = [[Cricket]] | category = | image = | caption = | jurisdiction = {{ubl |{{ENG}} |{{WAL}} }} | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1997|01|01|p=y}} | aff = [[International Cricket Council]] | affdate = {{Start date and age|1909|06|15|df=y|p=y}} | region = [[ICC Europe]] | regionyear = {{Start date and age|1997}} | headquarters = | location = [[Lord's]] [[Cricket Ground]], London NW8 | chairman = [[Richard Thompson (cricket administrator)|Richard Thompson]] | chairperson = | chair = | chiefexec = [[Richard Gould]] | secretary = | key staff = | operating income = | sponsor = [[Cinch (company)|Cinch]], Rothesay, [[Metro Bank (United Kingdom)|Metro Bank]], [[VitalityHealth|Vitality]], [[IG Group|IG]], [[Castore (brand)|Castore]], [[Chapel Down]], [[Cognizant]], [[Rentokil Initial|Initial]], Laithwaites, [[The Swatch Group|Rado]], SunGod, [[Houseful (company)|Zoopla]]<ref name="England and Wales Cricket Board">{{cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/sponsors-and-partners|title=England and Wales Cricket Board - Sponsors and Partners|access-date=11 October 2024|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530044922/https://www.ecb.co.uk/sponsors-and-partners|url-status=live}}</ref> | year closed = | replaced = [[Test and County Cricket Board|TCCB]] | prevfounded = | url = www.ecb.co.uk |countryflag = England }}
The '''England and Wales Cricket Board''' (abbreviated as '''ECB''') is the [[Sports governing body|national governing body]] of [[cricket]] in [[England]] and [[Wales]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/7900632.stm | work=BBC News | title=ECB severs all ties with Stanford | date=20 February 2009 | access-date=2 May 2010 | archive-date=23 April 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423185027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/7900632.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> It was formed on 1 January 1997 as a single governing body to combine the roles formerly fulfilled by the [[Test and County Cricket Board]], the National Cricket Association and the Cricket Council.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/protection/memo/pf82.pdf|title=Memorandum submitted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (PF 82)|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830214706/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/protection/memo/pf82.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 1998 the Women's Cricket Association was integrated into the organisation.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Wisden Anthology 1978-2006: Cricket's Age of Revolution|last=Moss|first=Stephen|publisher=John Wisden & Co Ltd|year=2006|location=London}}</ref> The ECB's head offices are at [[Lord's Cricket Ground]] in [[NW postcode area|north-west London]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/about-us/contacts|title=ECB {{!}} Contact us|website=ECB website|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405024318/https://www.ecb.co.uk/about-us/contacts|url-status=live}}</ref>
The board oversees all levels of cricket in England and Wales, including the national teams: [[England cricket team|England Men]] ([[Test cricket|Test]], [[One Day International]] and [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]), [[England women's cricket team|England Women]], [[England Lions cricket team|England Lions]] (Men's second tier), Physical Disability, Learning Disability, Visually Impaired, and [[England Deaf cricket team|Deaf.]]
Although the organisation is the England and Wales Cricket Board, it is referred to as the ECB, as a result of a decision by those overseeing the transition from the previous bodies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ecb.co.uk/ecb/about-ecb/feedback-faqs/faqs,1378,BP.html#wales |title=FAQs - Feedback and FAQs - About ECB - ECB - ECB |access-date=12 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719070121/http://www.ecb.co.uk/ecb/about-ecb/feedback-faqs/faqs,1378,BP.html#wales |archive-date=19 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Structure and role== The ECB is run by an executive management team that reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO). [[Richard Gould]] took over as permanent CEO in February 2023,<ref>{{cite press release | author=<!--Not stated--> | title=Richard Gould announced as new ECB Chief Executive Officer | url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/2869739/richard-gould-announced-as-new-ecb-chief-executive-officer | publisher=England and Wales Cricket Board | date=23 October 2022 | access-date=2023-03-02 | archive-date=2 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302075324/https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/2869739/richard-gould-announced-as-new-ecb-chief-executive-officer | url-status=live }}</ref> replacing [[Clare Connor]], who had held the office on an interim basis since May 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/17/tom-harrison-steps-down-as-ecb-chief-executive-cricket-england | title=Tom Harrison steps down as ECB chief executive amid England overhaul | work=[[The Guardian]] | date=2022-05-17 | access-date=17 October 2022 | author=Martin, Ali | archive-date=24 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524194908/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/17/tom-harrison-steps-down-as-ecb-chief-executive-cricket-england | url-status=live }}</ref> He in turn reports to the Chairman of the ECB Board, a position held by [[Richard Thompson (cricket administrator)|Richard Thompson]] since September 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Ali |title=Richard Thompson's in-tray: key tasks for ECB chair with cricket in turmoil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/14/richard-thompson-in-tray-key-tasks-for-ecb-chair-cricket-in-turmoil |work=The Guardian |access-date=24 October 2022 |date=14 August 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524194909/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/14/richard-thompson-in-tray-key-tasks-for-ecb-chair-cricket-in-turmoil |url-status=live }}</ref>
An executive committee chaired by the CEO is responsible for delivering the ECB's strategic plans. Three other committees – Cricket; Audit, Risk and Governance; and Regulatory – work with the senior management team on policy, planning and strategic issues.
The ECB Management Board is composed of a Chair, a Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, three Independent Non-Executive Directors, five Cricket Non-Executive Directors, the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer.
There are 41 members of the ECB:
* The Chairs of the 18 [[First-class cricket|First-Class Counties]] * The Chairs of the 21 County Boards in [[National Counties of English and Welsh cricket|National Counties]] (formerly the Minor Counties) * The Chair of [[Marylebone Cricket Club]] (MCC) * The Chair of the National Counties Cricket Association
One of the main responsibilities of the ECB is the preparation and development of the teams that represent England at the highest level in Test and ODI play. The National Selector, head coach and other coaches are ECB employees. The ECB also employs the English Test match captain and other centrally contracted players, as well as being responsible for the [[National Cricket Performance Centre]], currently based at [[Loughborough University]] in Leicestershire.
The long-term strategy to deliver world championships in the men's and women's games had a successful conclusion in the summer of 2019. England won the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time, emulating the feat of their female counterparts, who had become world champions for the fourth time in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48983890|title=England win Cricket World Cup: Ben Stokes stars in dramatic victory over New Zealand|date=2019-07-14|access-date=2019-12-21|language=en-GB|archive-date=15 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715181544/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/48983890|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ECB is responsible for the financial direction and commercial exploitation of [[English cricket team|England]] cricket. It raises revenue from the proceeds of sales for tickets at [[One Day International]] and [[Test cricket|Test matches]] in England and Wales. The ECB is also responsible for the generation of income from the sale of sponsorship and [[Broadcasting contracts in cricket|broadcasting rights]], primarily in relation to the English team.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the UK. More than 1.1 million adults attend cricket matches each year, while 2.5 million people play the game at all levels in England and Wales.<ref name=":0"/> Almost 10 million people – about 20% of the adult population – follow the sport.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c1178dcc-769d-11e9-be7d-6d846537acab |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/c1178dcc-769d-11e9-be7d-6d846537acab |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Can The Hundred save English cricket?|last=Ahmed|first=Murad|date=2019-05-17|website=Financial Times|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-12-21}}</ref> Since 2009, 4 million schoolchildren have been introduced to cricket by the Chance To Shine programme.<ref name=":0" />
In 2017 the ECB signed a new media rights deal valued at £1.1 billion to cover the five years between 2020 and 2024.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/cricket-england-tv-idUSL3N1JR48X|title=Cricket-ECB announces new five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and BBC|date=2017-06-30|work=Reuters|access-date=2020-01-14|language=en|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114112704/https://www.reuters.com/article/cricket-england-tv-idUSL3N1JR48X|url-status=live}}</ref> This deal will be used to fund a broad range of initiatives across the sport at all levels, including a guaranteed and unprecedented £475 million to fund the county network – First-Class Counties, National Counties and County Boards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://warwickshireccc.com/news/ecb-announces-media-rights-deal-2020-onwards/|title=ECB announces media rights deal from 2020 onwards|date=2017-06-30|website=Warwickshire County Cricket Club|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-14|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114113059/https://warwickshireccc.com/news/ecb-announces-media-rights-deal-2020-onwards/|url-status=live}}</ref>
While the ECB administers all aspects of English cricket, the [[Laws of Cricket|laws]] of the [[Sport|game]] remain under the control of [[Marylebone Cricket Club|MCC]].
In April 2017 the Articles of Association were changed to allow a new [[Limited overs cricket|White-ball Cricket]] competition to be run from 2020, comprising 8 teams and run during school summer holidays.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/39721254 |title=City-based Twenty20 tournament featuring eight teams gets approval for 2020 |publisher=BBC |date=26 April 2017 |access-date=13 February 2018 |archive-date=6 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906154601/http://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/39721254 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/cricket/784599/ECB-T20-competition-2020-Indian-Premier-League-Big-Bash-Cricket-News-Gossip |title=ECB set to create new city-based T20 competition by 2020 to rival Indian Premier League |publisher=The Express |date=28 March 2017 |access-date=26 April 2017 |archive-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427101837/http://www.express.co.uk/sport/cricket/784599/ECB-T20-competition-2020-Indian-Premier-League-Big-Bash-Cricket-News-Gossip |url-status=live }}</ref> The T20 event has become [[The Hundred (cricket)|The Hundred]].
In May 2018 ECB launched an action plan for engaging South Asian audiences in England and Wales.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/683457 | title=South Asian Action Plan | date=21 December 2023 | access-date=11 December 2019 | archive-date=11 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211153707/https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/683457 | url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2019 ECB launched its Inspiring Generations strategy for cricket across 2020–2024.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jan/14/ecb-plans-cricket-tom-harrison | title=ECB chief: Mystery new competition at heart of plans to boost cricket's profile | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=14 January 2019 | access-date=11 December 2019 | archive-date=24 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524194913/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jan/14/ecb-plans-cricket-tom-harrison | url-status=live }}</ref> The strategy aims to ''Inspire a generation to say Cricket is a game for me''.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1365931 | title=Inspiring Generations – Our game-wide strategic plan | access-date=11 December 2019 | archive-date=11 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211152856/https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1365931 | url-status=live }}</ref> Alongside its five-year plan, in October 2019 ECB launched plans to transform women's and girls' cricket.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/about-us/media-room#/pressreleases/ecb-launches-new-plan-to-transform-womens-and-girls-cricket-2928835 | title=The home of the England and Wales Cricket Board | access-date=11 December 2019 | archive-date=5 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405041718/https://www.ecb.co.uk/about-us/media-room#/pressreleases/ecb-launches-new-plan-to-transform-womens-and-girls-cricket-2928835 | url-status=live }}</ref>
The ECB also leads the sport's efforts with regard to the integrity of cricket, including anti-doping<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/ecb/document/2017/03/03/c6de084e-9fa3-4919-ad32-bfbb64101847/ECB-Anti-Doping-Rules-2017.pdf|title=The England and Wales Cricket Board Anti-Doping Rules 201|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114112706/https://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/ecb/document/2017/03/03/c6de084e-9fa3-4919-ad32-bfbb64101847/ECB-Anti-Doping-Rules-2017.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and anti-corruption initiatives,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tv5.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/27797121/growth-live-streaming-prompts-ecb-anti-corruption-rethink|title=Growth of live streaming prompts ECB anti-corruption rethink|date=8 October 2019|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114113215/https://tv5.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/27797121/growth-live-streaming-prompts-ecb-anti-corruption-rethink|url-status=live}}</ref> and safeguarding of all who play and administer the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/page/compliance/safeguarding/ecb-safeguarding-policies-guidelines-resources-13863/|title=Compliance - Safeguarding - ECB Safeguarding Policies, Guidelines, Resources|website=www.cricketeast.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114112708/http://www.cricketeast.co.uk/page/compliance/safeguarding/ecb-safeguarding-policies-guidelines-resources-13863/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2017-2018 financial year, the ECB's turnover was £125.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/ecb/document/2018/05/09/e83c8ddf-2707-4108-b64d-83c6ce5d5048/ECB_Financial-Review-2018-FINAL-PDF-VERSION.pdf|title=Financial Statements 2017/18|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114112704/https://pulse-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com/ecb/document/2018/05/09/e83c8ddf-2707-4108-b64d-83c6ce5d5048/ECB_Financial-Review-2018-FINAL-PDF-VERSION.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
== National teams == '''Men's Test team''': England played in the first Test match, against Australia in 1877, and has been one of the world's leading exponents of the five-day form of cricket ever since. England has been a full member of the International Cricket Council since 1909. The position of Men's Test captain, as of 28 April 2022, is occupied by [[Ben Stokes]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ben Stokes named England Men's Test Captain |url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/men/news/2594085/ben-stokes-named-england-mens-test-captain |website=English Cricket Board |access-date=29 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=28 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428170901/https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/men/news/2594085/ben-stokes-named-england-mens-test-captain |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''Men's white ball team''': England featured in the first One-Day International, against Australia in 1971. England won the men's Cricket World Cup for the first time in a thrilling final against New Zealand at Lord's in July 2019. As of September 2025, the team's captain was [[Harry Brook]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/jos-buttler-308967 |title=www.espncricinfo.com |access-date=25 May 2023 |archive-date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527125642/https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/jos-buttler-308967 |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''Women's team''': England featured in the first Women's Test series, against Australia in 1934–35, where they won 2-0 despite the enduring rancour from the Bodyline series of two winters before. They have won the World Cup four times, most recently in 2017. The team is captained, as of September 2025, by [[Nat Sciver-Brunt]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/358259.html|title=Heather Knight|website=Cricinfo|access-date=2020-01-14|archive-date=20 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120091034/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/358259.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Disability teams''': The ECB aims to have 300 clubs offering disabled provision by 2024. The four teams administered by the ECB are Physical Disability,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/disability|title=ECB {{!}} England Disability News|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405021405/https://www.ecb.co.uk/england/disability|url-status=live}}</ref> Learning Disability,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/408814/england-name-squad-for-learning-disability-tri-series|title=England name squad for Learning Disability Tri-Series|date=11 May 2017|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114113221/https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/408814/england-name-squad-for-learning-disability-tri-series|url-status=live}}</ref> Visually Impaired, and [[England national deaf cricket team|Deaf]].
== County Cricket == [[File:Cricket counties.png|thumb|Map of cricket counties: {{legend|#FF3C3C|First-Class Counties}} {{legend|#003366|National Counties (formerly known as Minor Counties)}} {{legend|#808080|Other counties}}]] '''First-Class Counties:''' There are 18 First-Class Counties, 17 in England and one, Glamorgan, in Wales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://caughtandbowled.com/Cricket/|title=English and Welsh first class county cricket clubs|website=caughtandbowled.com|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201141325/http://caughtandbowled.com/Cricket/|url-status=live}}</ref> County cricket developed in the 1740s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/history-of-cricket/early-cricket|title=International Cricket Council|website=www.icc-cricket.com|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323151256/https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/history-of-cricket/early-cricket|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[1890 County Championship|first County Championship]] was played in 1890.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/NATIONAL/ENG/CHAMPIONSHIP/CC_HISTORY.html|title=County Championship History|website=static.espncricinfo.com|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710024253/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/NATIONAL/ENG/CHAMPIONSHIP/CC_HISTORY.html|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2020 onwards there are 10 teams in Division One and eight in Division Two.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46047594|title=County Championship and One-Day Cup changes agreed for 2020 season|date=2018-10-31|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-02-01|language=en-gb|archive-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031194356/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46047594|url-status=live}}</ref> The ECB plays a part in the administration of a county through the County Partnership Agreement, a structure set up in late 2019 designed to improve two-way communication between the ECB and the counties and to ensure the successful implementation of the inspiring Generations strategy between 2020 and 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-17 |title=ECB Appoint First Managing Director Of County Cricket |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/ecb-appoint-first-managing-director-of-county-cricket |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB}}</ref>
'''National Counties:''' Formerly known as the [[National Counties of English and Welsh cricket|Minor Counties]], these are the 21 areas where cricket is played on a county-wide basis but without first-class status.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46059647|title='Minor Counties' to become the National Counties Cricket Association from 2020|date=2019-01-15|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-02-01|language=en-gb|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201141323/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46059647|url-status=live}}</ref> The Minor Counties Championship was first staged in 1895. From 2020 onwards, the counties' Western and Eastern divisions are split into two five-team groups between which sides are relegated and promoted. Each county also has a County Partnership Agreement with the ECB.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecb.co.uk/county-cricket-boards|title=County Cricket Boards|website=England and Wales Cricket Board|access-date=1 February 2020|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201141324/https://www.ecb.co.uk/county-cricket-boards|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''County Boards:''' Recreational cricket at all levels in each county is administered by a county board.<ref name=":2"/> There are more than 6,500 recreational cricket clubs and 40 county boards in total, including boards for Wales and the Isle of Wight. Each board has a County Partnership Agreement with the ECB. The intention is for the whole of cricket to think collectively about how to work together for the present and future stability and growth of the game.
The ECB also works at grassroots level with organisations such as Chance To Shine that are dedicated to encouraging talented and enthusiastic youngsters to play as much cricket as possible and maximise their potential.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/37853153|title=Chance to Shine: ECB set to double its investment in future of cricket|date=2016-11-02|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-02-01|language=en-gb|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201141326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/37853153|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Cricket in Wales:''' Historically, there have been claims that Wales should break away from the ECB and have its own international team, like Ireland and Scotland. However, Cricket Wales and Glamorgan have consistently supported the ECB and the concept that Welsh players of international standard will continue to represent England.
Domestic competitions: First-class counties compete in the following:
* [[County Championship|Rothesay County Championship]] * [[One-Day Cup (England)|Metro Bank One-Day Cup]] * [[T20 Blast|Vitality Blast T20]]
=== The County Boards === {{See also|:Category:County Cricket Boards}} Subject to certain exceptions, each [[Historic counties of England|historic county]] in England has either an ECB County Cricket Club or Cricket Board as below. The first-class counties are represented directly at the ECB, whereas the national counties retain a Cricket Board. {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * Bedfordshire Cricket Board * Berkshire Cricket Board * Buckinghamshire Cricket Board * Cambridgeshire Cricket Board * Cheshire Cricket Board * Cornwall Cricket Board * Cumbria Cricket Board * [[Derbyshire County Cricket Club]] * Devon Cricket Board * Dorset Cricket Board * [[Durham County Cricket Club]] * [[Essex County Cricket Club]] * [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club]] * [[Gloucestershire County Cricket Club]] * [[Hampshire County Cricket Club]] * Herefordshire Cricket Board * Hertfordshire Cricket Board * Huntingdonshire Cricket Board * Isle of Wight Cricket Board * [[Kent County Cricket Club]] * [[Lancashire County Cricket Club]] * [[Leicestershire County Cricket Club]] * Lincolnshire Cricket Board * [[Middlesex County Cricket Club]] * Norfolk Cricket Board * [[Northamptonshire County Cricket Club]] * Northumberland Cricket Board * [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club]] * Oxfordshire Cricket Board * Shropshire Cricket Board * [[Somerset County Cricket Club]] * Staffordshire Cricket Board * Suffolk Cricket Board * [[Surrey County Cricket Club]] * [[Sussex County Cricket Club]] * [[Cricket Wales]] * [[Warwickshire County Cricket Club]] * Wiltshire Cricket Board * [[Worcestershire County Cricket Club]] * [[Yorkshire County Cricket Club]] {{div col end}} Rutland shares a board with neighbouring Leicestershire, an echo of the 18th century [[Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket Club]]. Hampshire as such has two boards given that the Isle of Wight has its own. Westmorland and Cumberland are replaced by Cumbria, a [[ceremonial counties of England|ceremonial county]] created in 1974. An additional board exists for the whole country of Wales and is incorporated within the ECB.
Most counties have clubs which are members of either the [[County Championship]] or the [[National Counties Cricket Championship]]. Rutland and the Isle of Wight do not have county clubs and are wholly integrated for that purpose with Leicestershire and Hampshire respectively. [[Huntingdonshire County Cricket Club]] has a chequered history and now plays informal matches only. Cumberland and Westmorland originally shared [[Cumberland County Cricket Club]] as a joint county club. It is now representative of Cumbria as a whole and plays matches in both of the two traditional counties; there has never been a club called Westmorland.<ref>[http://www.ecb.co.uk/development/get-into-cricket/development-structure-and-contacts/county-boards%2C67%2CBP.html ECB] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225132725/http://www.ecb.co.uk/development/get-into-cricket/development-structure-and-contacts/county-boards%2C67%2CBP.html|date=25 February 2015}} County Cricket Boards, List of</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cricketwales.org.uk/ |title=Cricket Wales |access-date=3 March 2015 |archive-date=21 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221002647/http://cricketwales.org.uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Status of Wales == {{See also|Proposed Wales national cricket team|Cricket in Wales}}
Historically, the England team represented the whole of [[Great Britain]] in international cricket, with Scottish or [[Cricket in Wales|Welsh national team]]s playing sporadically and players from both countries occasionally representing England. Following [[Ireland Cricket Team|Ireland's]] membership in 1993, [[Cricket Scotland|Scotland]] became an independent member of the ICC the next year.
With Welsh players pursuing international careers exclusively with an England team, there have been a number of calls for Wales to become an independent member of the ICC, or for the ECB to provide more fixtures for a Welsh national team. However, both [[Cricket Wales]] and [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club]] have continually supported the ECB, with Glamorgan arguing for the financial benefits of the Welsh county within the English structure, and Cricket Wales stating they are "committed to continuing to play a major role within the ECB"<ref>{{cite web|title=Clearing the Boundaries|url=http://www.cricketwales.org.uk/uploads/news/Clearing%20the%20Boundaries_FINAL_spreads.pdf|website=Cricket Wales|access-date=23 March 2016|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103223746/http://www.cricketwales.org.uk/uploads/news/Clearing%20the%20Boundaries_FINAL_spreads.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Glamorgan chief executive says Wales cricket team makes 'no sense' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44487411 |agency=BBC |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=6 November 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131130523/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44487411 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Glamorgan oppose petition to form a Wales cricket team |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/16136233 |agency=BBC |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=6 November 2018 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114204611/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/16136233 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The absence of a Welsh cricket team has been debated within the [[Welsh Parliament]]. During a 2013 debate, [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] member Mohammad Asghar said he supported the establishment of an independent Welsh team.<ref>{{cite news |title=Establishment of a Welsh Cricket Team |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/wales-24613204 |website=BBC Democracy Live |date=23 October 2013 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114204700/http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/wales-24613204 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2015, a report produced by the Welsh Parliament's petitions committee reflected the passionate debate around the issue. [[Bethan Sayed|Bethan Jenkins]], [[Plaid Cymru]]'s spokesperson on heritage, culture, sport and broadcasting, and a member of the petitions committee, argued that Wales should have its own international team and withdraw from the ECB. Jenkins said that Ireland (with a population of 6.4 million) was an ICC member with 6,000 club players whereas Wales (with 3.2 million) had 7,500. Jenkins stated: "Cricket Wales and Glamorgan CCC say the idea of a Welsh national cricket team is 'an emotive subject', of course having a national team is emotive, you only have to look at the stands during any national game to see that. To suggest this as anything other than natural is a bit of a misleading argument."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ams-query-possibility-welsh-national-5698082|title=A Welsh national cricket team? AMs will have their say on the possibility this autumn|last=Shipton|first=Martin|website=walesonline|date=12 August 2013|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071637/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ams-query-possibility-welsh-national-5698082|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fresh-debate-whether-its-time-8837007|title=Welsh national cricket team should be set up says Rhun ap Iorwerth|last=Wyn-Williams|first=Gareth|website=northwales|date=14 March 2015|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208141322/http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fresh-debate-whether-its-time-8837007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jonathanedwards.org.uk/towards-a-national-future-for-welsh-cricket?lang=en|title=Towards a National Future for Welsh Cricket|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045747/http://www.jonathanedwards.org.uk/towards-a-national-future-for-welsh-cricket?lang=en|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/should-wales-international-cricket-team-6233035 |title=Should Wales have its own international cricket team, ask Assembly Members |last=Shipton |first=Martin |website=walesonline |date=23 October 2013 |access-date=21 March 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093255/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/should-wales-international-cricket-team-6233035 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/britain/21656717-campaign-national-cricket-team-bat-and-daffodil|title=The bat and the daffodil|newspaper=The Economist|issn=0013-0613|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106195042/https://www.economist.com/britain/2015/07/02/the-bat-and-the-daffodil|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/call-wales-cricket-team-2151211|title=Call for Wales to have its own cricket team|last=Williamson|first=David|website=walesonline|date=7 September 2008|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203838/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/call-wales-cricket-team-2151211|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, the [[First Minister of Wales]], [[Carwyn Jones]] called for the reintroduction of the Welsh one day team stating: "[It] is odd that we see Ireland and Scotland playing in international tournaments and not Wales."<ref>{{cite news |title=Wales cricket team should play one-day games, Carwyn Jones says |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-40497534 |agency=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=4 July 2017 |access-date=6 November 2018 |archive-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129024732/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-40497534 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Williamson |first1=David |title=Carwyn Jones says Wales should have a one-day international Welsh cricket team |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/carwyn-jones-says-wales-should-13283819 |publisher=Wales Online |date=5 July 2017 |access-date=6 November 2018 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106171557/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/carwyn-jones-says-wales-should-13283819 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2019, [[Plaid Cymru]] member [[Jonathan Edwards (Welsh politician)|Jonathan Edwards]] called for Wales to separate from the England and Wales Cricket Board by 2020 and to establish itself as an independent national team. Edwards said: "We have a Welsh rugby team, football team, basketball team, even a national lacrosse team. In cricket, however, we are still incorporated into England. That surely can't be right."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.partyof.wales/plaid_cymru_calls_for_welsh_national_cricket_team_by_2020 |title=Plaid Cymru calls for Welsh national cricket team by 2020 - the Party of Wales |access-date=17 July 2019 |archive-date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717235315/https://www.partyof.wales/plaid_cymru_calls_for_welsh_national_cricket_team_by_2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twnews.co.uk/gb-news/call-for-wales-cricket-team-after-england-world-cup-win-cymru|title=Call for Wales cricket team after England World Cup win .Cymru|website=Call for Wales cricket team after England World Cup win .Cymru|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144713/https://twnews.co.uk/gb-news/call-for-wales-cricket-team-after-england-world-cup-win-cymru|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Inspiring Generations == In 2019 the ECB launched a game-wide strategy to grow interest in, and engagement with, cricket over the five years between 2020 and 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/31996/11830621/ecb-launches-new-plan-to-transform-womens-and-girls-cricket|title=ECB launches new plan to transform women's and girls' cricket|website=Sky Sports|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144713/https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/31996/11830621/ecb-launches-new-plan-to-transform-womens-and-girls-cricket|url-status=live}}</ref> Its vision is that by the latter date a new generation of fans will have been inspired to say: "Cricket is a game for me."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/buttler-brings-the-world-cup-home-093430025.html|title=Buttler brings the World Cup home|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=11 October 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144708/https://sports.yahoo.com/buttler-brings-the-world-cup-home-093430025.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Inspiring Generations has been made possible by the signing of a media rights deal worth about £1.1billion, the vast majority of which will be paid by Sky television. As a result, the ECB has identified 26 activities that will make up the overarching Inspiring Generations strategy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25762226/five-years-inspire-generation-ecb-unveils-strategy-future-proofing-english-cricket|title=Five years to 'inspire a generation' - ECB unveils strategy for future-proofing English cricket|date=2019-01-14|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144708/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25762226/five-years-inspire-generation-ecb-unveils-strategy-future-proofing-english-cricket|url-status=live}}</ref>
The key focus is on six areas, in which the ECB has pledged to:
* Grow and nurture cricket's core, the county network * Inspire through the exploits of elite teams * Make cricket accessible to as many people as possible * Engage children and young people * Transform women's and girls' cricket * Support its communities
== Women's and Girls' Strategy == One of the most important elements of the Inspiring Generations strategy is the delivery of a plan to make cricket a truly gender-balanced sport and to build on the significant progress in the women's game in the first two decades of the 21st century.
The ECB has promised by 2021 to invest £20million specifically into the transformation of women's and girls' cricket.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27797998/ecb-announce-funding-boost-transform-women-cricket|title=ECB announce funding boost to transform women's cricket|date=2019-10-08|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010123928/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27797998/ecb-announce-funding-boost-transform-women-cricket|url-status=live}}</ref> This process is built around the following five targets:
* Participation – bringing girls' cricket to more schools and clubs * Pathway – raising standards in local girls' cricket * Performance – unveiling a new regional elite domestic structure for the women's game * Profile – promoting awareness of elite female players * People – increasing the number of women in the cricket workforce and leadership roles
More than 850 clubs now offer women's and girls' cricket, a total that was fewer than 100 in 2009.
== The Hundred == {{main|The Hundred (cricket)}}
In 2020 the ECB launched a new competition called [[The Hundred (cricket)|The Hundred]] which the board said was designed to appeal to families and younger cricket fans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/cricket/98190/english-cricket-ecb-confirms-the-hundred-will-launch-in-2020|title=English cricket: ECB confirms 'The Hundred' will launch in 2020|website=The Week UK|date=30 November 2018|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144712/https://www.theweek.co.uk/cricket/98190/english-cricket-ecb-confirms-the-hundred-will-launch-in-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The new competition, where each side has 100 balls, is aimed at a younger audience with the aim of games being completed in less than three hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ecb-targeting-younger-fans-with-new-100-ball-competition-5177437/|title=ECB targeting younger fans with new 100-ball competition|date=2018-05-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144710/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ecb-targeting-younger-fans-with-new-100-ball-competition-5177437/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Eight new teams were created by the ECB and based in cities across England and Wales. The teams do not align with existing counties, though they share stadiums. The team names are:
* Birmingham Phoenix * London Spirit * Manchester Originals * Northern Superchargers * Oval Invincibles * Southern Brave * Trent Rockets * Welsh Fire<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/cricket/98190/english-cricket-ecb-confirms-the-hundred-will-launch-in-2020|title=English cricket: ECB confirms 'The Hundred' will launch in 2020|website=The Week UK|date=30 November 2018|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144712/https://www.theweek.co.uk/cricket/98190/english-cricket-ecb-confirms-the-hundred-will-launch-in-2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
The competition also sees the return after 15 years of live cricket to free-to-air television, with a contract seeing the BBC screening at least ten matches live from the men's competition, including the final.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44113230|title=100-ball competition plans because young people 'not attracted to cricket'|date=2018-05-14|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2020-02-01|language=en-gb|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201174217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44113230|url-status=live}}</ref>
The launch of The Hundred competition was planned for 2020, but was officially delayed to 2021 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].
== The South Asian Action Plan == In 2018, the ECB launched an initiative designed to increase engagement in cricket in England and Wales among people who trace their ancestry to nations in south Asia – such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – where cricket has historically been hugely popular.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.essexcricket.org.uk/2018/05/10/ecb-launch-south-asian-action-plan/|title=ECB launch South Asian Action Plan|website=www.essexcricket.org.uk|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144714/https://www.essexcricket.org.uk/2018/05/10/ecb-launch-south-asian-action-plan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The decision was taken to engage with this community in particular because more than 30% of active cricketers in England and Wales at the time identified as being of South Asian extraction.
The SAAP was driven by research and community-led in an attempt to break down barriers to playing and watching cricket.
The 11 principal action points included installing non-traditional playing facilities in urban areas and delivering cricket at schools with a higher than national average representation of BAME pupils.
One significant early success was the opening in 2019 of the Leyton Cricket Hub in east London, the first urban cricket centre of its kind in the country. The SAAP also led to the installation of 110 non-turf pitches in urban areas and the recruitment of 600 female volunteers to boost the initiative.
== All Stars Cricket == [[All Stars Cricket]] is the ECB's entry-level participation programme for boys and girls aged between five and eight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.berkshirecricketfoundation.org/page/club-development/all-stars-cricket/all-stars-cricket-14133/|title=Club Development - All Stars Cricket - All Stars Cricket|website=www.berkshirecricketfoundation.org|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144716/http://www.berkshirecricketfoundation.org/page/club-development/all-stars-cricket/all-stars-cricket-14133/|url-status=live}}</ref> It consists of eight one-hour sessions over eight weeks and the emphasis is on fun and activity.
The programme is designed for all children who are new to cricket and focuses on the sport's specific skills, as well as activity and teamwork in general.
In 2019, more than 67,000 children took part in sessions at more than 2,200 clubs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govserv.org/GB/Peterborough/491838087495101/Peterborough-City-Council|title=Peterborough City Council, Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough (2020)|website=www.govserv.org|language=en|access-date=2020-02-01|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201144713/https://www.govserv.org/GB/Peterborough/491838087495101/Peterborough-City-Council|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Disability Premier League (DPL) == In 2021, the ECB launched the Disability Premier League (DPL), a T20 competition bringing together players from three different disability groups – Physical Disability (PD), Learning Disability (LD) and Hearing Impairment/Deaf.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disability Premier League: Groundbreaking pan-impairment competition confirmed for 2022 {{!}} The Cricketer |url=https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/england/groundbreaking_disability_premier_league_confirmed_inaugural_season_2022.html |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=www.thecricketer.com |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113162506/https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/england/groundbreaking_disability_premier_league_confirmed_inaugural_season_2022.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The DPL sits between county cricket at the England international setups in the ECB Disability Cricket pathway. It is designed to benefit disability cricket in a number of ways, including promoting the sport to a new audience and encouraging new players to take up the sport.
There are four teams with 16 players in each squad (64 players overall). Every year, the squads are selected through a draft. Each squad has roughly five players from each impairment, who are also melts to ensure each team is as evenly balanced as possible. Each disability group must bowl at least 20% of a team's overs, meaning a minimum of four overs are to be bowled at least one player from the PD, LD and Deaf pool.<ref>{{Cite web|title= All you need to know about the Disability Premier League|date= 21 December 2023|url= https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/3635405/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-disability-premier-league|access-date= 13 November 2023|archive-date= 13 November 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231113162506/https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/3635405/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-disability-premier-league|url-status= live}}</ref>
The teams are:
* Black Cats * Pirates * Tridents * Hawks
==Major domestic competitions== *[[County Championship]] *[[One-Day Cup (England)|One-Day Cup]] *[[T20 Blast]] *[[The Hundred (cricket)|The Hundred]]
==See also== * [[Cricket in England]] * [[Cricket in Wales]] * [[Association of Cricket Officials]]
==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links== * {{official website}}
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