House of Commons · Westminster Hall
09 September 2025 · 11 other contributors · 8,223 words
Opened by Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Max Wilkinson raised concerns about free-to-air broadcasting: cricket participation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
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.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discusses past government investments and criticizes unfunded commitments from previous administrations.
Supported widening access to young people and lower-income families, emphasizing the importance of free-to-air broadcasting in growing cricket participation.
Expresses support for women's cricket participation, highlighting the investment in new domes.
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.
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.
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 PeacockThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
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.