ECB to increase county funding by £25m from 2020

The 18 clubs will now have £75 million as part of the Infrastructure Fund which goes towards maintaining facilities

The England and Wales Cricket Board have increased the funding they give to first-class counties to £75 million.

The Infrastructure Fund, which is geared towards helping clubs maintaining facilities and improving operations, has been increased by £25 million over the next five years.

Counties can now expect in excess of £4 million-per-year as part of the fresh agreement, which runs from 2020 to 2024. The windfall will assist in counties meeting the ECB's new regulations regarding venue standards.

It coincides with the new £1.1bn broadcast deal which begins next summer and runs over the same period. Last week, the ECB announced the new raft of central contracts for England's red and white-ball stars, which reports suggest are close to £925,000-a-player, before match fees and bonuses.

Chief financial officer Scott Smith said: “I’m delighted to announce this increase in infrastructure funding. The FCCs form the heart of cricket in England and Wales and it’s imperative that we support all the amazing work they do to provide fans, players and staff with the best facilities and experience.

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“The additional funding demonstrates our commitment to partnering with the FCCs as they develop sustainable plans and work towards achieving their ambitions for their venues.”

Sussex chief-executive Rob Andrew added: “We’re really excited to work in partnership with ECB to further deliver top-class facilities for our fans, staff and players. We have been working on our masterplan to improve our facilities and make the ground more financially sustainable for the long term.

“It’s at venues like ours in Hove where children become inspired to pick up a bat and ball, new fans experience the excitement of live cricket and life-long supporters cheer on their local team with their friends and family.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all FCCs when I say that our priority is to ensure everyone visiting a cricket match thoroughly enjoys their experience. Having great facilities is big part of that and we look forward to working with ECB to further build on our offer for fans.”