Rishi Sunak announces £35m investment in grassroots cricket to increase access to the sport

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made a significant announcement regarding the future of grassroots cricket in the UK. With a £35m investment in the sport, Sunak aims to increase access to cricket and make it more inclusive for all.

The investment comes at a crucial time for cricket, as the sport has faced criticism for its lack of diversity, with many of the current England squad members coming from private school backgrounds. Sunak’s plan includes the construction of 16 all-weather cricket domes in host cities of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with the aim of providing training facilities in diverse communities.

Part of the funding will go to charities such as Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners, and ACE, who work with children from African or Caribbean backgrounds. This investment is expected to provide equipment to schools and enable nearly a million children to play cricket over the next five years.

Sunak expressed his passion for the sport, stating, “There remains huge potential to grow the sport even further and open it up to everyone, from all backgrounds and in all parts of the country.” The Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Richard Thompson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in cricket.

England’s highest-ever Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the challenges of accessing cricket from state schools. With this new investment, the hope is that more young people will have the opportunity to play and enjoy the sport.

Overall, the future looks bright for grassroots cricket in the UK, with Sunak’s investment paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive cricketing community.