Ashes return to Old Trafford

A new-look Old Trafford will host an Ashes Test in 2013 following the completion of extensive redevelopment work totalling £32million

The ECB board today adopted in full the recommendations of the independent Major Match Group chaired by Lord Morris of Handsworth in awarding the remaining major matches for the period 2013-2016 following an exhaustive and open tender process.

The process for the allocation of major matches and the core role of the Major Match Group in that process has evolved since the introduction of the Major Match Group in 2005.

A key focus of the submissions under the latest tender process was on each venue’s infrastructure, operations, legacy and community commitment.

The premium platinum package was awarded to the MCC and, when coupled with major match awards previously made to Lord’s, results in 48 major match days being staged during the 2013-2016 period.

Lord Morris commented: “Lord’s is the home of cricket and demonstrated to the Major Match Group its unique iconic status and the exceptional benefits which staging major matches at Lord’s can bring to the game.

“The MMG also noted the MCC’s commitment to further develop the facilities at Lord’s as well as the significant support which MCC provides to University and community cricket in England and Wales and the game around the world. As a result of these exceptional characteristics, Lord’s has been awarded the platinum package.”

Gold packages were awarded to Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Edgbaston and the SWALEC Stadium. The silver packages were awarded to the Kia Oval and the Emirates Durham ICG, whilst the bronze package was awarded to the Rose Bowl. The only unsuccessful bid for major match packages in this latest tender process was submitted by Bristol.

Lord Morris further commented: “I am grateful to the members of the Major Match Group, together with my fellow ECB directors, who have been working diligently in reviewing these submissions in recent months.

Lord's will stage 44 days of international cricket between 2013 and 2016, plus the Clydesdale Bank 40 final to end each domestic season

“This has been an exhaustive process which is of critical importance to the long-term plans and sustainability for each of the venues. They are also of significant importance to all England cricket supporters and to Team England.

“There will now be a period of certainty for these venues, although we appreciate that some venues may be disappointed not to have obtained a better package of matches.”

The awards are subject to contract and the ECB’s completion of financial due diligence on each venue.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke commented: “I am indebted to the board, finance committee and the executive team, who have diligently reviewed the independent recommendations of the Major Match Group and concluded that these recommendations are in the best interests of the game of cricket in England and Wales.

“The quality of the submissions made by the venues was outstanding and reflects the importance to regions as well as venues in staging major matches.

“The awards for the next five-year period will enable Counties to review and where necessary revise their business plans with the certainty of their match programme over a substantial period of time.

“I wish to record my personal thanks to Lord Morris and all members of the Major Match Group, whose recommendations to the board were clear and resulted from an in depth review and evaluation of each submission.”

In addition to these major match packages, the board today also announced that the remuneration and coaching for England’s women cricketers will be doubled in 2012.

ECB’s head of women’s cricket Clare Connor commented: “This is a great boost for women’s cricket as we prepare to defend the women’s World Cup in 2013 and seek to regain the ICC World T20 title next year.

“The members of our women’s team are great ambassadors for the sport and the increased commitment from the ECB will allow the women’s game to further develop from its strong base in England and Wales.

England will meet Australia in Ashes Tests at Trent Bridge in 2013 and 2015 after the ECB adopted the Major Match Group's recommendations

"Supporting the players in this way is due recognition by the board of the dedication and recent success of the England women's team."

The board further announced that it will be increasing its financial support for the Chance to shine project by 20% from £1million to £1.2 million in 2012.

Chance to shine has introduced one million schoolchildren to cricket and is supported by the Team England sponsor, Brit Insurance.

Counties also benefitted from a highly successful summer of cricket in 2011 when it was confirmed that a sum of £4.5 million will be distributed immediately to counties who have enhanced their facilities in accordance with the board’s facilities policy.

Community clubs were further beneficiaries with the board confirming that £3 million will be transferred to the England and Wales Cricket Trust, which will replace funding lost in the public sector cuts required following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

National teams benefitted from the increase in Team England central contracts as well as a programme for the England Under-19 team as they prepare for the Under-19 World Cup to be held in Australia in summer 2012.

Under-19 England players contracted with counties will receive a summer contract to recompense counties and also ensure that the England Under-19 team receives the best possible preparation for the Under 19 World Cup.

ECB chief executive David Collier summarised the board’s decisions as follows: “2011 has been an historic year for cricket in England and Wales.

“On the field, the England team retained the Ashes and became the number one Test nation in the world. Off the field, the board has demonstrated today the commitment to grow our sport at all levels and to maintain the highest professional standards.

“The investment at school, club, county and national team level augurs well for the future of the sport and fulfils many of the key objectives within our strategic plan."

Key
WTC: World Test Championship
CB40: Clydesdale Bank 40