Cricket Ireland unveils new strategic plan 2024-2027 for cricket in the nation

A new strategic plan 2024-2027 for cricket in Ireland has been unveiled by Cricket Ireland. The plan addresses the growth and change experienced over the past decade, adapting to the evolving landscape and embracing the rich diversity of players and fans in Ireland.

Developed following broad regional consultation, the strategy is built around five key pillars: growing the game, performing on the world stage, creating an engaged sport, building strong foundations, and working together. 

With measures aimed at balancing club support with international ambition, particular focus areas in the immediate term include the return of a dedicated Club Fund; elevating key domestic competitions to invigorate fan and player engagement; building on Ireland’s cricket infrastructure by developing world-class facilities; and encouraging broad participation, fair access, and equal opportunities through targeted initiatives aimed at ensuring positive experiences for all.

Key Highlights:

• Club Fund: Budget has been allocated to re-establish a dedicated Club Fund, which will assist with small-scale capital and equipment projects and other projects at club level (e.g. inclusion programs, coaching, and more). All details will be shared in late September.
• Inter-Provincial & Evoke Super Series: Cricket Ireland will work closely with Provincial Unions to further elevate the impact and reach of these crucial domestic competitions which are vital for talent identification, talent development, club connection, and fan engagement.
•  Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Inclusion is essential for the sport’s long-term success. It ensures the game thrives by encouraging broad participation and providing fair access and opportunities for all. Implementing a comprehensive game-wide EDI strategy is a top priority. Key focus areas include promoting gender equality in women’s and girls’ cricket, fostering cultural awareness, and improving inclusive practices through enhanced processes and policies.
• Participation Programmes: Investing in and evolving key participation programmes for children in each province including Smash It and It’s Wicket! to support continued growth at the youth level.
• World-class cricket infrastructure: A key priority in our strategic plan is to elevate Ireland's cricket infrastructure with world-class facilities. As an ICC Full Member, we are committed to delivering multiple projects across the island, including a national cricket stadium in Dublin, recently approved by the Irish Government. Each of these projects is vital for driving the growth of the game across Ireland, particularly as we build towards co-hosting ICC’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2030.

Speaking about the strategy, Brian MacNeice, Chair of the Board of Cricket Ireland, said:

“Cricket in Ireland is a vibrant community that unites people with a shared passion for the game. This strategy aims to nurture and grow our community and the game, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, succeed, and thrive in the sport we love.

“Clubs are the heartbeat of cricket, and strong support systems are crucial for the game's future success both locally and internationally as an ICC Full Member. This plan is focused on laying the right foundations in partnership with Provincial Unions, Clubs, and wider stakeholders.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen remarkable growth, with clubs and facilities at various stages of development. Our mission is to provide balanced support to strengthen grassroots operations. Equally, we continue to be ambitious in our goals to perform at the top level and to host world-class international cricket. 

“To kick off this next phase in our journey, we are launching a strategy roadshow in October in partnership with the Provincial Unions to engage with clubs across Ireland. We’ll be discussing the actions, measures, resources, and support they can expect from this plan, as well as our commitment to keep people regularly updated on progress. We can’t wait to engage further with stakeholders within the game and bring this strategy to life.”

Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland, added:

"This plan sets us on the path to achieving our vision of becoming a major sport in Ireland and a major nation in cricket. I'm deeply grateful to everyone in the cricket community who shared their insights—this is a strategy we've built together, and it will come to life through our collective effort and teamwork.

“We've made significant progress as a country. The next phase is ensuring cricket is a sport that welcomes and unites players, fans, spectators, and the wider community to deliver the best outcomes, achieve the highest performance standards, and inspire a love of the game across Ireland.  

“This plan will not only support our grassroots development but will reinforce our position as a country that aspires to develop world-class international teams and deliver fit-for-purpose infrastructure. As co-hosts of the T20 Men’s World Cup in 2030, we look forward to welcoming the world’s top teams on the sport’s biggest global stage. We are also delighted that cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympic Games. 

“We are determined to set new standards and lead the way in inclusion in Irish sport. We've made considerable strides in women’s and girls’ cricket, being only the second sport in Ireland to offer professional contracts, and we have more work to do. Our focus is on levelling access and equality.

“We are excited about the future and look forward to working with all our stakeholders to achieve this vision together."