England’s cricket board channels £45m into grassroots facilities

The England and Wales Cricket Board, the national governing body for cricket in England and Wales, is directing £45m (€54m) from private investment in The Hundred’s franchises toward a new strategic facilities fund. The goal is to leverage broader partnerships to deliver projects worth £150m (€180m) over the next decade.

The fund will prioritize development in underserved communities, targeting women and girls, disabled participants, lower socioeconomic groups, and ethnically diverse populations. Eligible projects include cricket domes, indoor facilities, multi-use games areas, and hybrid community sports hubs. Applications open in April, and the fund is expected to run for at least 10 years.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, described the initiative as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity for grassroots cricket,” citing growing junior participation and the rapid rise of women’s and girls’ cricket as driving the need for improved infrastructure.

Wider investment package

Beyond the strategic fund, the ECB is expanding its existing facilities program. Grant funding for individual clubs has been doubled to £5m (€6m) for 2026, focused specifically on women’s and girls’ cricket. Interest-free loans available to grassroots clubs have increased from £50,000 (€60,000) to £75,000 (€90,000). Combined, ECB’s direct annual investment in recreational facilities will now exceed £14m (€17m).

An additional £6m (€7.2m) from The Hundred’s recreational game share will support County Board operations over three years, while £1m (€1.2m) annually addresses climate-related facility impact and £2m (€2.4m) supports grass pitch improvement alongside Sport England.