21 August 2024: A new strategic plan for 2024-2027 for cricket in Ireland has been unveiled following broad regional consultation with provincial unions including the Northern Cricket Union (NCU), embracing the rich diversity of players and fans.
With measures aimed at balancing club support with international ambition, particular areas of interest for clubs and players in the NCU in the immediate term include:
- Enhancing approach to interprovincial and super series competitions to invigorate fan and player engagement.
- Promoting inclusion, fair access and equal opportunities for all.
- Continued investment in children’s participation programmes.
- Return of a dedicated Club Fund to support local facilities, programmes and more.
Cricket Ireland will host a Strategy Roadshow in partnership with NCU to meet with clubs and members about the initiatives and actions within the strategic plan. It will take place on Tuesday 12 November 2024 in Stormont. All are welcome. Register to attend by emailing Callum Atkinson.
Patrick Grimes, Chief Executive of NCU, said, “We welcome this new strategic plan and are pleased to have contributed to its development and priority areas. Cricket is thriving across our region, with a strong passion for the game evident in many of our local communities.
“We are pleased with several measures in the strategy, including the return of the Club Fund, which we await further detail on in terms of what can be expected.
“Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is an important focus and a game-wide approach to promoting inclusivity, respect, and fair access will enhance positive playing experiences for everyone.
“We look forward to working together to ensure the continued growth and development of cricket in our region.”
Warren Deutrom, CEO, Cricket Ireland said: “I’m grateful to everyone in the cricket community who shared their insights—this is a strategy we’ve built together, and it will come to life through our collective effort and teamwork. We look forward to our Strategy Roadshow in the Northern Cricket Union where we will meet with clubs to discuss the actions, measures, resources, and support they can expect from this plan.”
Click here for details of the plan
Key Highlights in 2024:
Built around five key pillars the strategy is focused on: growing the game, performing on the world stage, creating an engaged sport, building strong foundations, and working together.
- Club Fund: Budget has been allocated for a dedicated Club Fund, which will assist with equipment, facilities and inclusive participation projects, helping clubs to better serve their members and grow the game. Full detail will be shared in late September.
- Inter-Provincial & Super Series: Cricket Ireland will work closely with Provincial Unions to enhance impact and reach of these crucial domestic competitions which are vital for talent identification, club connection and fan engagement.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): Inclusion is essential for the sport’s long-term success. It ensures the game thrives by encouraging broad participation and providing fair access and opportunities for all. Implementing a comprehensive game-wide EDI strategy is a top priority. Key focus areas include promoting gender equality in women’s and girls’ cricket, fostering cultural awareness, and improving inclusive practices through enhanced processes and policies.
- Participation Programmes: Investing in and evolving key participation programmes for children in each province including Smash It and It’s Wicket! to further support continued growth at youth level.
- World-class cricket infrastructure: A key priority within our strategic plan is to elevate Ireland’s cricket infrastructure with world-class facilities. As an International Cricket Council (ICC) member we are committed to supporting the delivery of multiple projects to support the growth and success of cricket in Ireland.