The Cricketer's Big Cricket Survey received almost 1,900 replies from the cricket community. Here, ECB chief operating officer Gordon Hollins responds to the results...
Your comprehensive survey findings will no doubt prompt a wider discussion about the game’s future and the ECB’s role in shaping it in this country.
We think that’s a healthy discussion to have and we want to engage with your readers’ views. But first and foremost, we should remember that a debate about cricket’s future is nothing new.
There were intense debates in the early noughties about the introduction of a new domestic T20 competition – now a format which is fully established as a global sporting phenomenon; the advent of one-day cricket in the 1960s did not meet with universal acclaim either; nor did the introduction of floodlights, white balls and coloured clothing – all now part of the fabric of the modern game.
All sports evolve over time and it could be argued that our own sport has done so more than most. So, it’s only natural for ECB to want our game to be ahead of the curve rather than behind it. That’s exactly where we need to be if we are to ensure cricket remains relevant to as many people as possible for generations to come.
While we’re naturally disappointed that some of your readers think ECB is not doing a good job in governing the game now, it’s not necessarily our primary purpose to be popular. Very few sports governing bodies are. As a modern, forward-thinking organisation, it’s part of our role to challenge the game; to ask whether we can do things differently and do them better for everyone’s long-term benefit.
That’s why we’ve changed our governance structures in recent months – introducing a new, fully independent board of directors for the first time. It’s the kind of change which doesn’t always make headlines. But it means our decision-making at the highest level now reflects a broader and more diverse range of views and backgrounds. That can only be good for the game – and those who follow it as avidly as Cricketer readers.
There is definitely a strong desire at ECB to build a broader and more diverse following for cricket and it’s at the heart of all our thinking around the new eight-team competition starting in 2020.
We firmly believe this will benefit the whole game in the long-run; creating a competition which will rival the global profile of IPL or Big Bash, offer a distinctive alternative to our existing county competitions and support our wider efforts to drive up grassroots participation.
The need for the new competition to strengthen links between the recreational and professional game is particularly important. We know that there is a strong link between watching and playing cricket and that we need new cricket followers to become the next generation of club and village cricketers.
So, making cricket more accessible and easier to follow will go hand in hand with participation initiatives like our successful All Stars programme for five to eight year-olds which has already attracted nearly 60,000 participants in under two years as well as our Women’s Soft-ball Festivals which have attracted more than 20,000 participants over the same period.
We’re hugely encouraged that a clear majority of respondents are fairly or very satisfied with the way their first-class county is run and heartened that our oldest domestic competition, the County Championship remains so popular with so many people. Four-day and five-day cricket are just as important a part of our long-term plans for the game’s growth as shorter formats.
Neither will we overlook the needs of our traditional fan-base. We accept that part of the challenge we face is striking the right balance between retaining the game’s heritage and recruiting new enthusiasts, particularly young people, many of whom think and behave differently from previous generations.
County cricket is sometimes erroneously portrayed as a sport in decline. It isn’t. The county game is growing and its growth is in no small measure due to the loyal and devoted support it receives from many of the readers who responded to your survey. However, to ensure that county cricket remains strong it needs to be relevant to different communities across England and Wales, and appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Your readers’ views carry weight and will always be an important part of any debate about the game’s future, but we trust you will also appreciate that our game needs to address a wider audience and reflect a broader range of opinions if it is to realise its full potential.
BIG CRICKET SURVEY HOMEPAGE
Posted by Peter Maksimczyk on 11/10/2019 at 18:20
One day cricket and floodlights were overwhelmingly welcomed, and there was essentially support for the T20. White balls and coloured clothing were treated with indifference when they were introduced. Much of what is being said in this response is simply untrue.
Posted by Nigel Lyddon on 11/10/2019 at 13:49
If our comments are taken on board, why has the West of England been left out in the cold re the 100 ? We in no way want to support a welsh team !!! Nothing against Wales
Posted by James Robertson on 30/07/2018 at 10:30
Harry Haydon's earlier comment sums it ip perfectly. The ECB are so removed from reality it is frightening. Sadly cricket is being run by people who are business men rather than people who love cricket for what it is
Posted by Dave Drinkwater on 28/07/2018 at 15:03
This is the same response we always get. The waffle could be what he said to me about the disgraceful treatment of Durham CCC two years ago, corporate speak for we don't care what you think because we're in charge. The despair created in the minds of us cricket fans has passed him by. He doesn't even try to answer "The Cricketer"'s responsible and constructive suggestions.
Posted by Steve Kirk on 28/07/2018 at 12:40
Your earlier correspondent Mr Haydon is 100% right . Complete Corporate rubbish !
Posted by phil rice on 28/07/2018 at 00:03
I took part in the survey and was pleased to do so. Over the last two years I have been taking with me to watch four day county championship, one day and T20 games my friends grandson. He has been thrilled watching all formats, but supprisingly enough the county championship has been the format he has talked about most. He is 16yrs old and has loved every minute of the slower paced game and the different tactics used. I do wonder how many other youngsters there are out there who are being categorized by the ECB of only wanting the shorter faster format. From the comments I have read in the above response, I believe the ECB will go ahead with their own agenda come what may. The county championship as it has been known will become a relic of the past only to be spoken of in hushed terms at the boards annual dinner in between discussions of how they can re-jig the 100 to make it more popular. Some may call me cynical and would probably agree but I do wonder sometimes if those in charge can't see the wood for the trees.
Posted by Les Bone on 27/07/2018 at 21:19
I wonder how much experience of cricket the Chief Operating Officer has. If his remarks are truly a full response to the survey then I am in despair for the future of the game. His words are meaningless. Whatever he may say unfortunately cricket is in decline. How many clubs continue to close or run less and less teams? And now we have a selector who picks a white ball specialist to play in a red ball Test match. Oh dear.
Posted by David Harris on 27/07/2018 at 20:11
In short: Thank you for your interest but we are in charge and we know better than you!
Posted by Kevin watts on 27/07/2018 at 19:40
Yet another soundbite by the ECB (Gordon Hollins) : Four-day and five-day cricket are just as important a part of our long term plans for the game's growth as shorter formats. The ECB's actions do not substantiate this statement........I do not trust the ECB as the guardians of English cricket........too much emphasis on marketing (e.g. continuous use of the term product) and pandering to Sky.....ECB need to get a grip and put the test team as the pinnacle of English cricket and acknowledge the Ashes is the most important competition for England cricket supporters. Kevin Watts - (Essex CCC member).
Posted by Harry Haydon on 27/07/2018 at 15:31
I've not seen such a classic example of Corporate BS for many a year. Actions speak louder than words Mr Hollins, and the ECB's activities over the last few years have done nothing but deplete, dilute and nigh on destroy the faith of the true cricket supporter in England. Your meaningless platitudes provide absolute no confidence whatever that you either understand the mess you have created, even less that the ECB have the will, desire or capability to do anything about it. Gut wrenching.
Posted by Paul Dyson on 27/07/2018 at 13:10
Well, I'm afraid it's just the usual woffle and completely lacking in practicalities. Of the greatest urgency is the ECB's response to The Cricketer's template schedule for 2020 which has a great deal to commend it, particularly the County Championship running through the season. I'n sure that will enable it to be 'relevant to different communities'.
Posted by Chris on 27/07/2018 at 12:49
If only we could find a spinner in the playing fraternity to match the ability of the administration!
Posted by Derek Osborne Appleby on 27/07/2018 at 12:48
Whilst the investment in cricket for children and women is commendable, there appears to be too much emphasis on these area whilst the serious club / league cricketers are being starved of funding. In particular there is an obvious lack of good quality coaching in the league games. All players need a little help with technique from time to time. In the ECB Premier Leagues there is a distinct lack of coaching. These are guys who need the funding. Creating an `awareness` of the game is not good enough and not a wise use of funds.
Posted by Chris Rowsell on 27/07/2018 at 12:32
Toeing the party line, trying to keep everyone happy, saying that they are listening to what the public want. I've heard it all before and with regards to the new tournament, the lunatics have taken over the asylum. Less than two years to go and they can't come up with team names, let alone a format. Whatever you end up doing, please don't call it cricket, because it doesn't appear that it will resemble the noble game.
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