ECB receives funding boost

The ECB has been boosted by a £37.8million grant over the next four years by Sport England with the money targeted at grassroots cricket.

The board will invest in projects aimed at increasing participation at recreational level, especially among women, girls and disabled people. A large portion of the funding will be put into the Chance to Shine initiative.

"This agreement is fantastic news for cricket and will enable us to continue our work to increase opportunities for people to take part in our sport," said ECB chief executive David Collier.

"The ECB has been awarded the largest grant of any national governing body which demonstrates the confidence that Sport England has in our ability to deliver grassroots programmes."

"Sport England will also be bringing forward further lottery funding opportunities based on potential priority policy themes such as increasing participation by women and girls, improving school-club links and building sustainable community sports clubs."