English cricket gets £30m boost

[talksport]

£30 m = $60 m= 231 crores *** From BBC English cricket chiefs have handed the sport a £30m cash injection in a bid to develop the club game and improve facilities around the country. Among the plans Giles Clarke, chairman of the English and Wales Cricket Board, is keen to implement is the erection of floodlights at every county ground. The move is designed to give fans more opportunities to see matches live. Money will also be made available to improve coaching, ground drainage and access to the game in schools. Funded primarily by increases in broadcasting revenue, sponsorship and gate receipts over recent years, it is the biggest cash injection ever into the English game. "This is a major commitment to invest in all areas of cricket," said Clarke. "Cricket in England and Wales has never seen this level of financial support. "Our resources are being targeted to build the continuing affection of the nation with its summer sport and to give people of all ages and walks of life the chance to play and watch in the best surroundings." Of the total sum, £9m will be earmarked for floodlighting at all county grounds, £6m will go towards drainage at international venues and eventually all counties. Clarke told BBC Radio 4 that more than £14m in grants will be given to more than 2,000 community clubs. Explaining the desire for more floodlit cricket, he claimed England would enjoy more success on the international stage if their players were used to day-night matches. "We feel we need considerably more experience playing day-night games," he said. "Secondly, the spectators have considerably greater ease coming to watch cricket in the early and late evening. "If we've got floodlights, we are in a position to do that."