Is the ECB serious about structural change? Yes, but maybe not in the way you expect.

This month’s annual National Conference for Heads of Cricket in Schools probably won’t be reported on the ECB website. This despite it being addressed by CEO RIchard Gould, as well as a number of other important ECB staff in the England pathway.Why? Because it’s just for independent schools. Contrast this with the lack of investment and leadership for grassroots coaches at clubs & coaches associations we’ve seen over the last five years. 

Another under the radar moment is that one speaker at this event will be the new Head of Coach Development, Diccon Edwards. New in the sense he has been in post 12 months, yet no one has publicly welcomed him into the cricketing fold. In fact for the previous 2 years this important role had no permanent incumbent. So for over 3 years the (supposedly) 40,000 club coaches working hard at the coal face have had no leadership, encouragement or direction. It would be great to benefit from his thoughts & presentation, ‘Developing Modern Cricket Coaches’ in 2026. Maybe next year?

These are examples of how the new ecosystem is & will work, where more & more independently schooled players are playing professional cricket and for England (Sutton Trust 2025). While we see statements about ‘the most inclusive sport’ (please define?) & press releases about money spent but not on outcomes, the ecosystem has changed. There may be no going back?