Worcestershire County Cricket Club is facing an uncertain future at its historic New Road ground due to persistent flooding. The club has confirmed that it will explore a permanent move away from the venue in the coming months to ensure its long-term viability.
New Road has been Worcestershire’s home since 1899, but its location on a floodplain has made it vulnerable to flooding. The ground has been inundated seven times during the 2023-24 winter, forcing the club to relocate its first two County Championship matches to Kidderminster.
In 2014, Worcestershire invested between £7 million and £8 million in flood-resistant measures, but these have proven insufficient to prevent further flooding. The club now faces the prospect of losing two months of its six-month season due to the ongoing issues.
Chief executive Ashley Giles has warned that any further delays in hosting cricket at New Road would be “devastating” for the club. He has floated the idea of moving to a new home, stating that “we can’t carry on like this.”
The club’s board has now confirmed that it is actively exploring all options, including a move from New Road. The aim is to secure the long-term future of Worcestershire County Cricket Club and ensure its financial stability.
The potential move away from New Road is a significant development for Worcestershire. The ground has been a cornerstone of the club’s identity for over a century, but the increasing frequency and severity of flooding have made it unsustainable.
The club will continue to host cricket at New Road for the remainder of the 2023 season, but further bad weather could affect its T20 Blast campaign. The club is also scheduled to host a women’s ODI between England Women and New Zealand on June 30.
The decision on whether to move from New Road will be a difficult one for Worcestershire, but it is clear that the club must take action to secure its future. The club’s board will now work to explore all options and present a plan to its members and stakeholders in the coming months.
