Cricket Moving in the Right Direction on Equity: ECB’s New Report Shows Real but Uneven Progress

How Cricket Moving in the Right Direction on Equity Shapes the Sport’s Future?

Cricket is slowly but steadily moving in the right direction on equity and inclusion. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released a new State of Equity in Cricket Report, revealing genuine progress since the 2023 review that exposed racism, sexism, and elitism in the sport.

The latest report, published a year ahead of schedule, shows improvement in representation, tone, and awareness—but also warns that deeper change is still needed to ensure fairness and diversity across all levels of the game.

Progress and Challenges in the ECB’s Equity Report

According to independent assessors Sports Structures, cricket in England and Wales has shown “genuine progress” toward inclusivity.

The tone of conversations has shifted—equity is now seen as essential to cricket’s long-term health rather than a side issue.

However, challenges remain.

• Diversity in leadership roles across counties has not expanded as expected.
• Only one female county chair exists—Dame Sarah Storey of Lancashire.
• Ethnic diversity among chairs and executives stands at just 6%, showing stagnation.

The report praises the professionalisation of women’s cricket, noting the rise in the number of contracted players. Still, it points out that investment “is not yet consistent,” and disability cricket “needs deeper integration” into county systems.

ECB’s Continued Commitment to Inclusion

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould reaffirmed the board’s commitment:

“We said from the start there could be no quick fix. We committed to delivering meaningful and lasting change, and that remains our focus.”

The introduction of the Cricket Regulator, a key reform post-2023, has also been credited for increasing accountability and fairness.

Gould also emphasized the importance of opening up pathways for young talent from all backgrounds—ensuring that opportunity in cricket is not limited by class, gender, or ethnicity.

Building a Truly Inclusive Future for English Cricket

The ECB’s progress on equity shows cricket is moving in the right direction, but sustained effort is critical. True inclusivity will require not only improved leadership diversity but also continuous investment in women’s and disability cricket.

The upcoming State of Equity Reports, to be published every three years, will serve as key benchmarks in measuring how far English cricket has come—and how far it still needs to go.

………….

FAQs

Q1: What is the ECB’s State of Equity in Cricket Report?

• The report assesses progress on inclusion, equality, and fairness in English and Welsh cricket, following the 2023 ICEC recommendations.

Q2: What key areas still need improvement?

• Leadership diversity, consistent investment in women’s cricket, and better integration of disability cricket.

Q3: Who praised the ECB’s efforts on equity?

• Independent organization Sports Structures commended the ECB for real progress but emphasized the need for sustained momentum.

Q4: When will the next State of Equity Report be published?

• The ECB has committed to releasing a full report every three years.