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Sussex Chairman Dismisses Breakaway League Fears Over Hundred Ownership Changes

Sussex Chairman Dismisses Breakaway League Fears Over Hundred Ownership Changes

By May 8, 2024 0

Sussex chairman Jon Filby has dismissed the notion of a breakaway league by the Hundred-hosting counties as “completely not to be feared.” The ECB and the 18 first-class counties have been engaged in discussions regarding changes to the Hundred’s ownership model, with a proposal to open up the eight teams to private investment.

However, the counties have yet to reach an agreement on revenue sharing. The ECB initially requested a decision by May 10, but the non-host counties are seeking independent advice, potentially delaying the process. Filby emphasized the importance of thorough due diligence before making a decision.

Despite concerns raised by ECB chief executive Richard Gould about losing momentum, Filby expressed confidence in reaching a deal. He acknowledged the need to capitalize on the Hundred’s upcoming season as a showcase for the competition.

The prospect of a breakaway league has been raised, but Filby believes it is unlikely. He questioned the viability of such a league, given the lack of opposition and player availability.

The non-host counties are reportedly seeking a fair distribution of revenues, with Filby stating that they will not be rushed into a decision. He emphasized the need for a clear position before the Hundred’s season concludes.

The discussions over the Hundred’s future have highlighted the growing influence of the top counties in English cricket. Leicestershire chief executive Sean Jarvis has compared the situation to the Premier League in football. However, Filby believes that the non-host counties should remain firm in their negotiations.

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Leicestershire CEO Warns of 'Premier League Moment' in County Cricket

Leicestershire CEO Warns of ‘Premier League Moment’ in County Cricket

By May 3, 2024 0

County cricket is facing a pivotal moment as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepares to sell equity stakes in the Hundred. Leicestershire’s chief executive, Sean Jarvis, has raised concerns that the move could create a significant divide between the haves and have-nots in the sport, similar to the situation in English football.

Despite Leicestershire’s recent successes, including winning the Metro Bank One-Day Cup and topping Division Two of the County Championship, the club was overlooked for a Tier 1 team in the new women’s competition from 2025. This decision has left Leicestershire as one of seven first-class teams that will not host international men’s cricket, Hundred matches, or top-flight women’s domestic games from next year onwards.

Jarvis believes that this could have a detrimental impact on Leicestershire’s ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing game. He compares the situation to the Premier League’s breakaway from the Football League in 1992, which led to a widening gap between the top clubs and the rest.

The ECB’s decision on the future of the Hundred is expected to further exacerbate this divide. Host venues are likely to receive a 51% equity share of their respective teams, while the remaining counties will share up to 30% of the competition’s remaining value.

Jarvis argues that the “Open Pyramid” option for the Hundred, which would allow all 18 counties to compete in a two-tiered structure with the prospect of promotion and relegation, should be considered. He believes that this would ensure that all clubs have the opportunity to win silverware and compete at the highest level.

Despite the challenges, Jarvis recognizes that a major overhaul of Leicestershire’s home ground, Grace Road, is overdue. He believes that the club’s share of the Hundred windfall, combined with strategic partnerships, will allow Leicestershire to create a venue that can better serve the needs of its large sporting community.

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ECB Considers Visa Criteria Changes Amid Overseas Player Challenges

ECB Considers Visa Criteria Changes Amid Overseas Player Challenges

By May 3, 2024 0

The English Cricket Board (ECB) has granted counties until the end of May to propose revisions to the visa criteria for overseas players, following a challenging offseason for directors of cricket.

Securing high-caliber overseas players has become increasingly difficult for counties due to a congested domestic schedule, overlapping franchise leagues, and the unprecedented occurrence of a T20 World Cup during the English summer. Consequently, many counties have resorted to signing relatively unknown overseas players this year.

Previously, visa eligibility was solely based on international caps. However, in 2019, the ECB successfully lobbied the UK Home Office for a change, allowing players with 20 T20 appearances in a full-member country within the past three years to qualify.

While this change has opened up new avenues for overseas players to obtain visas, it has also led to some peculiar situations. One player agent revealed that some clients who would have been eligible for Division One cricket in the County Championship were denied visas due to the current T20-based criteria.

Chris Tremain, the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Sheffield Shield, was only able to stay at Northamptonshire for a month because his sporadic appearances in the Big Bash League in recent seasons made him eligible only for a short-term “permitted paid engagement” visa.

Other top Sheffield Shield bowlers, including Fergus O’Neill, Gabe Bell, and Corey Rocchiccioli, are reportedly ineligible for the “international sportsperson” visa typically used by overseas players for county seasons.

Simon Cook, Kent’s director of cricket, initially found South African seamer Beyers Swanepoel ineligible due to insufficient T20 appearances. However, Swanepoel eventually qualified for a longer visa after playing enough matches in the CSA T20 Challenge.

The ECB has an annual consultation period where counties can propose changes to existing criteria. While the governing body has no immediate plans to alter the criteria, it will consider any proposals. These proposals would then be submitted to the ECB’s board for approval and presented to the Home Office.

Any changes must adhere to the Home Office’s requirement that players seeking visas should “make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.”

Cook emphasized the importance of balancing the need for overseas players with the development of domestic talent. “The danger with opening it up too much is that you end up blocking opportunities for academy or second-team players,” he said. “You want overseas players coming over that will add value and drive your existing group forwards.”

Kent will briefly have four overseas seamers competing for two spots in June, reflecting the increasingly competitive overseas market for counties.

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Yorkshire's Tier 1 Bid Denied, ECB Cites National Outcomes

Yorkshire’s Tier 1 Bid Denied, ECB Cites National Outcomes

By April 19, 2024 0

Yorkshire’s bid to host a Tier 1 team in England’s new domestic women’s structure has been unsuccessful, sparking disappointment and frustration within the club. However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has denied that the decision was influenced by Yorkshire’s past failings in addressing allegations of institutional racism.

Northern Diamonds, the regional side in the north east, will continue to be based primarily at Headingley but will also play home games at other locations in 2024. Durham will host a Tier 1 county in the initial eight-team structure from 2025, a decision that Yorkshire’s board described as “tough to take.”

Yorkshire’s board highlighted the club’s large active playing base of women and girls, as well as its success in producing players who have gone on to play internationally for England. They expressed disappointment that they would not be able to use a Tier 1 women’s team to help them achieve their ambition of becoming “the most welcoming and inclusive cricket club in the country.”

Gould emphasized that the ECB’s decision was not a punishment for Yorkshire’s past sins. “Our role is to promote the game, not punish,” he said. “We have responsibility when we have an opportunity such as this to get the best outcomes nationally.”

The news has caused concern among Northern Diamonds players and staff, with England captain Heather Knight confirming that the prospect of having to relocate from Leeds to Durham has caused “quite an unsettling time” for some of the Yorkshire-based domestic players.

Gould acknowledged that such tough decisions are part of the process. “This is professional sport,” he said. “It’s no bad thing. If you want to be paid to be a player in this set-up, you’re going to be a Tier 1 player.”

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) anticipates some “teething problems” and has pledged to hold counties accountable in delivering on their proposals. Knight believes that the scale of disappointment is a sign of the progress that has been made in women’s cricket.

The ECB’s investment in women’s domestic cricket is expected to grow the number of female professional players in the country by 80% in the next five years. Knight believes there is enough talent to sustain the structure and that investment is key to growing the depth.

The revamp is seen as the next logical step in the professionalization of women’s cricket in England and Wales. Knight expressed excitement about the plans and hopes that women’s cricket will be given equal opportunity alongside the men’s game.

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Lancashire CEO Calls for Title Sponsor and Broadcast Deal for Women's Cricket

Lancashire CEO Calls for Title Sponsor and Broadcast Deal for Women’s Cricket

By April 18, 2024 0

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s chief executive, has urged the ECB to secure a title sponsor and a dedicated broadcast deal for the Charlotte Edwards Cup. This call comes after Lancashire’s significant investment in women’s cricket earned them Tier 1 status in the revamped domestic structure from 2025.

Lancashire has been a major supporter of Thunder in England’s regional competitions since 2020, with backing from Hilton and Sportsbreaks.com. They now boast a full-time squad of 15 professionals and have embarked on their third consecutive pre-season tour.

Gidney expressed his delight at Lancashire’s Tier 1 status, emphasizing the need for proper investment in women’s cricket. He believes the ECB must find a title sponsor for the Charlotte Edwards Cup and invest in marketing games outside of the Hundred.

The ECB has pledged to invest around £19 million in women’s domestic cricket by 2027. However, Gidney argues that the Charlotte Edwards Cup needs to be backed by England players and taken seriously. He points out that their quarter-final at Blackpool last year attracted more spectators than Finals Day at New Road.

While the men’s county competitions have headline sponsors, the women’s regional equivalents do not. Gidney insists that the Charlotte Edwards Cup requires a title sponsor that pays substantial money and that it should be broadcast.

Gidney believes the move towards a county model reflects the rapid commercialization of women’s sport. He cites the success of the Lionesses, Red Roses, and Arsenal’s women’s team as evidence of this growth.

The tender process for Tier 1 teams has highlighted the counties that are genuinely committed to investing in women’s cricket. Gidney emphasizes that authenticity is crucial and that counties must demonstrate their commitment through actions and investments.

Thunder, who have appointed Chris Read as their coach, will play seven fixtures at Old Trafford this year, the most of any regional team at a men’s Test venue. Lancashire is also building a new facility at Farington, which will serve as a training base and host matches.

Gidney stresses that Emirates Old Trafford remains the home of Lancashire Cricket for both men and women. Old Trafford will also host women’s international cricket again from 2025, and Gidney hopes to secure Women’s T20 World Cup matches there in 2026.

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PCA Urges Counties to Deliver on Women's Cricket Promises

PCA Urges Counties to Deliver on Women’s Cricket Promises

By April 11, 2024 0

The Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) has urged counties to fulfill their commitments to women’s cricket after the ECB announced the allocation of ‘Tier 1’ teams in England’s revamped domestic structure.

Counties, excluding Derbyshire and Worcestershire, will soon learn if their bids to host Tier 1 teams have been successful. However, players have expressed concerns that counties may not deliver on their promises.

Daryl Mitchell, PCA’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of holding counties accountable. “We’ll lobby the ECB to ensure successful bidders keep their word,” he said. “The ECB’s auditing and policing will be crucial, and we can play our part.”

The PCA and ECB have agreed on a minimum squad size of 15 for Tier 1 teams and equalizing the minimum wage for female and male cricketers. These commitments will be formalized in the updated County Partnership Agreement (CPA).

“Some female players currently work two jobs to make ends meet,” Mitchell said. “We need to ensure minimum salaries are appropriate and equal to men’s salaries. This is crucial for players to become professional.”

Players are excited about the new system, which will provide equal access to facilities and coaches. “Players want the ‘one club, two team’ mentality seen in the Hundred,” Mitchell said. “There will be teething problems, but overall, it’s positive for the game.”

Despite the challenges, Mitchell encouraged unsuccessful counties to continue investing in women’s cricket. “The tender process has made counties consider how to incorporate women’s cricket into their structures,” he said. “Hopefully, those eight that are unsuccessful become Tier 2 teams and build foundations.”

The Hundred’s potential ownership changes have also been discussed by the PCA. “There’s a lot of talk about the women’s game behind the scenes,” Mitchell said. “We’ll ensure that investors are fully committed to both the men’s and women’s Hundred.”

The final season of the women’s regional structure begins next Saturday, with several teams signing Australian overseas players.

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ECB Investigates Usman Khan's Pakistan Declaration for Contract Breach

ECB Investigates Usman Khan’s Pakistan Declaration for Contract Breach

By March 27, 2024 0

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is investigating whether Usman Khan’s decision to declare his intention to play for Pakistan constitutes a breach of his contract with the UAE board. The ECB is reviewing the case to assess potential breaches of contract with the board, as well as with white-ball leagues in the UAE where Khan has played as a local player, including the ILT20 and the T10.

The outcome of the review, which ECB sources say will be finalized in the next fortnight, could have significant ramifications for Khan. He could face a ban from league cricket in the UAE, depriving him of the most lucrative cricket he has played in his career. If a breach of contract is found, it could also affect his work permit, under which he has been living in the UAE to complete the residency requirement to qualify for international cricket for the UAE. Khan still has 14 months to go before meeting this criteria.

Khan believes he has not breached any contract, claiming that his contract includes an exit clause with a 30-day notice period. He is reportedly resigned to whatever sanction the ECB imposes, but the allure of playing for Pakistan was too strong to resist when the PCB approached him after the PSL.

The PCB asked Khan if he still wished to play for Pakistan, and he responded affirmatively. On Monday, he was named in the Pakistan camp that is currently training with the Pakistan military in a PCB initiative to boost player fitness. He joined the camp on Sunday evening, and the PCB is reportedly looking to fast-track him into the Pakistan side ahead of a five-match T20I series against New Zealand next month.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo on the eve of the PSL final, Khan downplayed his chances of playing for Pakistan, emphasizing the ease of obtaining NOCs to play in leagues around the world as a UAE player and the advantages of being considered a local player in the UAE’s limited-overs leagues. However, events have moved swiftly since then.

As Khan has not yet played international cricket for either nation, a tug of war has broken out for a player who is at the peak of his prowess. The ECB’s decision to announce an immediate review indicates their unwillingness to let Khan be poached by the PCB.

For Khan, the decision comes down to the attraction of playing in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup in June, which he appears to be a shoo-in for with Pakistan, versus the lucrative nature of being a freelance T20 specialist affiliated with the UAE. While he appears to have chosen the former for now, much may depend on the outcome of the ECB’s review.

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Nimesh Kataria Appointed as ECB's New Chief Financial Officer

Nimesh Kataria Appointed as ECB’s New Chief Financial Officer

By March 22, 2024 0

Nimesh Kataria, a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record at Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Kataria will assume his role in April and will join the ECB board, replacing Scott Smith, who is stepping down after eight years of service.

Kataria’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for English cricket, as the ECB seeks to navigate financial challenges and drive growth. His expertise in financial management and strategic planning will be instrumental in shaping the ECB’s financial strategy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport.

“We are delighted to welcome Nimesh to the ECB at a time when our sport is facing significant opportunities and challenges,” said Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer. “His financial acumen and strategic insights will be invaluable as we strive to grow cricket and make it the most inclusive sport in the country.”

Kataria expressed his enthusiasm for joining the ECB and contributing to the development of cricket. “I am honored to be part of the ECB team and eager to play a role in expanding the reach of cricket and inspiring more people to embrace the sport,” he said. “As a lifelong cricket fan, I am aware of the challenges facing the game in England and Wales, but I am confident that we can overcome them and secure a bright future for cricket.”

Gould paid tribute to Smith’s contributions during his tenure as CFO. “Scott has been instrumental in driving significant change during his eight years with the ECB,” Gould said. “His leadership has contributed to increased revenue, the creation of The Hundred, and record funding for the cricket network.”

Smith’s expertise also proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the financial stability of cricket members. “We are deeply grateful for Scott’s dedication and the immense value he has brought to the game,” Gould added.

Kataria’s appointment signals the ECB’s commitment to financial prudence and strategic growth. His experience and passion for cricket will be key assets as the ECB navigates the evolving landscape of the sport and strives to make cricket accessible and enjoyable for all.

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16 Counties Bid for Professional Women's Cricket Teams in England and Wales

16 Counties Bid for Professional Women’s Cricket Teams in England and Wales

By March 14, 2024 0

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has received bids from 16 of the 18 first-class counties for the creation of eight professional women’s teams in a revamped domestic competition starting next season. The move aims to address the identity crisis faced by some regional teams by aligning them more closely with existing counties.

Essex, Glamorgan, Surrey, Lancashire, Sussex, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Middlesex, Kent, Northamptonshire, Durham, Yorkshire, Leicestershire, and Somerset have all submitted tenders for Tier 1 teams. Worcestershire and Derbyshire are the only two counties that have confirmed they did not bid.

The ECB will invest a minimum of £1.3 million per year into each Tier 1 team, with a portion earmarked for player salaries, sports science and medicine, and talent pathways. Counties are not required to make a minimum financial commitment but are expected to outline their projected investment as part of the tender process.

The existing regional teams will remain in place for the 2024 season. However, the ECB is seeking to establish a more sustainable and cohesive women’s domestic structure by aligning teams with counties. This will provide greater ownership, responsibility, and governance to the clubs.

Counties not awarded Tier 1 status, along with National Counties, will be invited to participate in a process to determine the make-up of Tier 2 and Tier 3 competitions. Derbyshire, despite not bidding for a Tier 1 team, has expressed its commitment to developing a sustainable Tier 2 women’s structure with the aim of eventually achieving Tier 1 status.

Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles cited funding and resource constraints as reasons for not bidding for a Tier 1 team. However, the county will continue to support the Central Sparks regional team and develop its own Women’s Rapids team for future competitions.

The ECB will notify counties of interview slots for the next stage of the process imminently, with interviews expected to take place by the end of March. The successful counties will be announced in due course.

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Kent to Bid for Professional Women's Cricket Team in England's Top Tier

Kent to Bid for Professional Women’s Cricket Team in England’s Top Tier

By March 8, 2024 0

Kent County Cricket Club has announced its intention to bid for one of eight professional women’s teams in England’s top domestic competition, set to launch in 2025. This move marks a departure from the current South East Stars regional side, which has represented Kent and Surrey in recent years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has invited first-class counties to tender for Tier 1 women’s professional clubs, aiming to align teams more closely with existing counties and their men’s teams. This restructuring aims to address the identity crisis faced by some regional teams and expand marketing opportunities for the domestic women’s game.

Kent Women’s Captain Megan Belt expressed her excitement about the prospect of a professional team in Kent. She emphasized the transformative impact it would have on training, practice, and support staff, which would significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness.

Kent Women have a rich history of success, having won 10 league championships and five T20 titles. They last won the Women’s County Championship in 2019. The club has produced several international representatives, including Tammy Beaumont, Tash Farrant, Alice Davidson-Richards, and Lydia Greenway.

Kent’s Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, highlighted the club’s commitment to providing a professional future for aspiring female cricketers. He believes that a professional Kent Women side would continue to produce England players through the club’s talent identification and training programs.

The ECB is expected to announce the successful bids later this year. If Kent’s bid is successful, the county will join the ranks of professional women’s cricket teams in England, competing against the best domestic sides for silverware.

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