no_image_available

ECB announces Major Match awards to venues for 2013-16

The Board of the England and Wales Cricket Board today adopted in full the recommendations of the independent Major Match Group chaired by Lord Morris of Handsworth in awarding the remaining major matches for the period 2013 - 2016 following an exhaustive and open tender process.

The process for the allocation of major matches and the core role of the Major Match Group in that process has evolved since the introduction of the Major Match Group in 2005.

A key focus of the submissions under the latest tender process was on each venue's infrastructure, operations, legacy and community commitment.

The premium platinum package was awarded to the MCC and when coupled with major match awards previously made to Lord's results in 48 major match days being staged during the 2013 - 2016 period.

Lord Morris commented:

"Lord's is the home of cricket and demonstrated to the Major Match Group its unique iconic status and the exceptional benefits which staging major matches at Lord's can bring to the game. The MMG also noted the MCC's commitment to further develop the facilities at Lord's as well as the significant support which MCC provides to University and community cricket in England and Wales and the game around the world. As a result of these exceptional characteristics, Lord's has been awarded the platinum package.'

Gold packages were awarded to Trent Bridge, Old Trafford, Edgbaston and The SWALEC Stadium. The silver packages were awarded to Kia Oval and to the Emirates Durham ICG, whilst the bronze package was awarded to the Rose Bowl. The only unsuccessful bid for major match packages in this latest tender process was submitted by Bristol.

Lord Morris further commented: "I am grateful to the members of the Major Match Group together with my fellow ECB Directors who have been working diligently in reviewing these submissions in recent months. This has been an exhaustive process which is of critical importance to the long term plans and sustainability for each of the venues. They are also of significant importance to all England cricket supporters and to Team England. There will now be a period of certainty for these venues, although we appreciate that some venues may be disappointed not to have obtained a better package of matches."