NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOR CRICKET IN IRELAND (2024-27)

A new Strategic Plan for cricket in Ireland (2024-2027) has been launched today by Cricket Ireland. It outlines the ambition for the game over the next four years.

In this context, Cricket Leinster is partnering with Cricket Ireland to hold a Strategy Roadshow event for CL clubs on Thursday 24th October at 7.00pm in the Clontarf Castle Hotel.

This roadshow event will be a great opportunity to meet with CI personnel and to hear first-hand about the key initiatives and planned actions within the strategic plan. All are welcome to attend and you can register for the event on the following link:

https://buytickets.at/cricketleinster/1349669

Some key areas of focus in the Strategy:

With measures aimed at balancing club support with International ambition, particular areas of interest for clubs in the immediate term include:

• Return of the Club Fund: Financial support for club facilities and programmes with more detail expected shortly.
• Enhancing Super Series & Interprovincial Competitions
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Promoting inclusion, fair access and equal opportunities.
• Participation: Continued to invest and evolve our children’s participation programmes.

We hope to see you at the Roadshow Event on Thursday 24th October at 7pm in Clontarf Castle Hotel.

Philip Smith, General Manager Cricket Leinster, commented as follows - “From a Cricket Leinster perspective, we welcome this new strategic plan and look forward to working with Cricket Ireland and the other Provincial Unions to support achievement of our shared strategic goals. In particular, we strongly support the strategic focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, which is an ongoing priority for Cricket Leinster.

Cricket in Leinster has experienced encouraging levels of growth in recent years, with new clubs and increased participation especially among youth players and through our women’s & girls programmes. We aim to further boost participation by continuing to support our clubs and by ensuring a rewarding, inclusive playing environment for everyone."

Warren Deutrom, CEO Cricket Ireland said - "I'm grateful to everyone in the cricket community who shared their insights—this is a strategy we've built together, and it will come to life through our collective effort and teamwork. We look forward to our Strategy Roadshow in Leinster where we will meet with clubs to discuss the actions, measures, resources, and support they can expect from this plan.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS IN 2024

Built around five key pillars the strategy is focused on: growing the game, performing on the world stage, creating an engaged sport, building strong foundations, and working together.

• Club Fund: Budget has been allocated for a dedicated Club Fund, which will assist with equipment, facilities and inclusive participation projects, helping clubs to better serve their members and grow the game. Full detail will be shared in late September.  

• Inter-Provincial & Super Series: Cricket Ireland will work closely with Provincial Unions to enhance impact and reach of these crucial domestic competitions which are vital for talent identification, club connection and engagement.

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): Inclusion is essential for the sport’s long-term success. It ensures the game thrives by encouraging broad participation and providing fair access and opportunities for all. Implementing a comprehensive game-wide EDI strategy is a top priority. Key focus areas include promoting gender equality in women’s and girls’ cricket, fostering cultural awareness, and improving inclusive practices through enhanced processes and policies.

• Participation Programmes: Building on the success of the 'Smash It' programme for kids, specific investment will be dedicated to each province to further support continued growth at youth level.

• World-class cricket infrastructure: A key priority within our strategic plan is to elevate Ireland’s cricket infrastructure with world-class facilities. As an International Cricket Council (ICC) member, we are committed to supporting the delivery of multiple projects to support the growth and success of cricket in Ireland.

STRATEGY: FIVE KEY PILLARS - HIGHLIGHTS

Growing the game: We will work together to strengthen cricket in our Clubs, Schools and Communities by delivering high-quality programmes, and increasing access and opportunity for all

Performing on the world stage: We will create high quality structures, competitions and environments that produce winning international teams which inspire the next generation of players, coaches and officials

Creating an engaged sport: We will attract fans to the game and inspire a lifelong love of cricket through great experiences.

Building strong foundations: We will focus on delivering increased and sustainable revenue streams supported by investment in our people, facilities, systems and processes.

Working together: We will adopt or extend sustainable ways of working that will support the long-term health and growth of the game.

You can find the strategy document at the link here