Cricket is already being played in over 40 European countries, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) European Development Program is part of a global effort (also involving programmes in Africa, the Americas, Asia and East Asia Pacific) to raise awareness and playing standards, and increase playing numbers and quality, with the emphasis on indigenous and youth development, to ensure sustainable growth of the game.

The ICC European Development Program started in 1997 and in Europe now involves 11 Associate and 16 Affiliate member countries as well as 13 Prospective member countries.

The program is run by the ICC Regional Development Manager - Europe and a small team of staff, within the framework of the ICC Development Program's Key Objectives.

Responsibility for hosting and supporting the ICC's five regional programmes falls to the Full Member in each region, in this case the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who have, in turn, involved Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on the basis of MCC's existing strong links with Europe.

The programme is financed largely by the ICC with assistance from the ECB and MCC, and a growing level of sponsorship from external companies.

More information:

Find out more about ICC DPE and cricket across Europe, and sign up for the monthly ECC newsletter by visiting the ICC DPE website.