← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Free-to-air Broadcasting: Cricket Participation
09 September 2025
Lead MP
Max Wilkinson
Cheltenham
LD
Responding Minister
Stephanie Peacock
Tags
No tags
Word Count: 8223
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Max Wilkinson raised concerns about free-to-air broadcasting: cricket participation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to consider the balance between seeking new audiences and maintaining traditional county cricket, acknowledging its importance for both participation and player development.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The English cricket calendar has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the introduction of the Hundred competition and reduced availability of four-day county cricket. This shift has led to a crowded season that may be alienating long-standing cricket fans while reducing access for younger audiences who are not engaged with short-form formats. Additionally, it is argued that this change impacts player development and preparation for test matches.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Agreed with concerns about reduced four-day county cricket during August, noting potential impacts on batting development and spin bowling training for future test players.
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Congratulated Max Wilkinson on securing the debate and recognised Somerset County Cricket Club's success in reaching finals, highlighting the need for support of county cricket.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Participation in cricket can be improved to include more young people from various backgrounds, but no specific contributions were detailed beyond acknowledging the debate's significance.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Between 1999 and 2005, test matches were shown on Channel 4 with an average of between 2 million to 3 million viewers per day for an average test match, before it soared to upwards of 7 million viewers during the 2005 Ashes series. However, there has been a decline in participation rates following the switch from free-to-air cricket to subscription-based broadcasting.
Max Wilkinson
Con
Somerton and Frome
The MP discussed accessibility issues in cricket, reflecting on his own experience of limited school fixtures and reliance on local clubs. He emphasized the need for increased investment in education, PE teachers, and sports pitches to enhance availability.
French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Discusses past government investments and criticizes unfunded commitments from previous administrations.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Supported widening access to young people and lower-income families, emphasizing the importance of free-to-air broadcasting in growing cricket participation.
Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Expresses support for women's cricket participation, highlighting the investment in new domes.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Aldridge-Brownhills
Participation in cricket among young people from lower-income backgrounds is poor, and more funding and access are needed. The £2 million investment by the ECB for engaging black and south Asian communities and state-educated children is insufficient. Suggested Lancashire as a possible solution for cricket teams during school holidays, addressing the issue of geographical barriers in accessing cricket matches.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Acknowledged the success of British sports this summer and supported allowing more cricket to be broadcast on free-to-air television, highlighting its impact on enhancing grassroots participation.
Barnsley East
She acknowledged cricket's importance and highlighted government investment, mentioning £11.6 million over five years to the ECB for grassroots initiatives.
Government Response
Stephanie Peacock
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
She recognized cricket's importance and highlighted government investment in the sport through annual investments by Sport England. She mentioned £11.6 million over five years to the ECB for grassroots initiatives. The Government have committed £1.5 million in capital funding for two new cricket domes, in addition to a further £400 million investment in grassroots sports facilities. The Minister highlights the importance of balancing free-to-air broadcasting with commercial viability for sporting bodies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.