Providing and maintaining safe, high-quality playing surfaces is hugely important, be they fine turf, non-turf or indoor practice facilities.
We are committed to raising standards in all areas of our game, including achieving the best possible playing surfaces at all grounds from the smallest club to major Test venues.
Fine turf
The ECB’s recommended guidelines for the construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches and outfields (PDF) at all levels of the game sets out procedures and methods for ground care related to fine turf pitches and outfields.
The guidelines contained in the above document can be used as a general guide to all aspects of construction, management, maintenance and pitch preparation of cricket grounds.
Club groundsmen can use their knowledge of local conditions to adapt the recommended guidelines to suit their site.
Further support is available through the network of County Pitch Advisors and County Groundsman Associations. For more information, speak to your local County Cricket Board.
For clubs managing both cricket and football on the same site, the ECB worked with the FA, Sport England and the IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship) to produce this useful guide (PDF) to help ensure both sports can enjoy a long future working together.
Non-turf
Our Performance Standards for Non-Turf Cricket Pitches Intended for Outdoor Use (PDF) describe the requirements for outdoor non-turf/synthetic cricket pitch systems, specifically practice areas and match pitches.
There are currently no stated standards for outfields.
Additional non-turf guidance for clubs
The following two documents offer additional guidance for clubs and ground staff around non-turf pitch provision and installation, and managing wider facility projects.
Our guidance for purchase of a non-turf pitch (PDF) is essential reading to help you understand non-turf pitches and the preparation work required prior to obtaining contractor quotes.
In addition, we also have helpful tips for developing your project (PDF) and taking it from concept to completion.
Code of practice for design and installation of non-turf cricket facilities
The voluntary Code of Practice (PDF) for ECB approved non-turf pitch system suppliers sets out the recommended minimum standards for designers, installers and suppliers of approved systems.
ECB approved non-turf pitch systems and suppliers
Download and read our full list of ECB approved non-turf pitch systems and suppliers (PDF).
Any enquiries relating to the list of ECB approved non-turf pitch systems should be directed to facilities@ecb.co.uk.
Indoor – developing the right sports hall
The ECB is charged with implementing a strategy across all forms and levels of the game.
Central to this is the provision of high-quality locally available indoor practice facilities with year-round access to these facilities for players.
Our guidance on indoor sports halls with cricket provision (PDF) provides practical advice for clients and designers on the issues that need to be considered when designing indoor sports halls with cricket provision.
Please contact us at facilities@ecb.co.uk for more information if you are looking to develop an indoor project.