New partnership to continue revolution of talent development in English cricket

Already at the forefront of talent identification in England, Scotland and Wales, BCU has partnered with the South Asian Cricket Academy UK (SACA), ACE Programme and Take Her Lead to better understand the barriers facing women and girls from British South Asian communities who want to play cricket. 

The new collaborative research group is also launching a project to investigate the most effective ways of integrating diverse talent into the current pathway structures in English cricket, as well as design, implement and evaluate interventions to inform future policies. 

Both projects will be assigned a fully funded PhD studentship at BCU for three years. 

“Although there have been some tremendous results on the international stage for the ECB in recent years, there has also been some concerning claims around racism and the lack of equal opportunities in cricket,” said Dr Adam Kelly, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Sports Coaching and Physical Education at BCU. 

“These two projects will hopefully develop guidance for coaches and other adult stakeholders in how to work most effectively with diverse groups in cricket and essentially create a wider pool of potential talent so every young player can achieve their potential.”  

BCU has been a leading light in the creation of inclusive talent development systems in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond, especially in the world of cricket. 

Former BCU student Dr Tom Brown formed an immensely productive relationship with the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) and Essex CCC to redress some of the inequalities in the youth and professional game. 

That project, which led to the formation of SACA, has made significant strides in increasing the percentage of British Asian players and coaches within the professional game. 

But despite those positive steps, there is recognition that more needs to be done. 

Ethnic minority representation in the women’s professional game in the UK is below 5%, according to the ECB’s South Asian Action Plan. Yet approximately 30% of recreational cricket in England and Wales is played by British South Asians. 

On top of that, English cricket is still coming to terms with the damaging racism allegations involving Yorkshire County Cricket Club and former player Azeem Rafiq, coupled with the criticism aimed at the ECB for its handling of the case.  

“Tom Brown’s PhD studies at BCU shone a light on some of the inequities that exist as well as some of the potential strategies and solutions moving forward,” added Dr Kelly. 

“So it is fantastic that BCU is investing collaboratively in this research. It emphasises our commitment to supporting those players from underrepresented communities and creating wider opportunities in sport.” 

Like SACA, the ACE Programme and Take Her Lead are determined to make cricket more accessible to underrepresented communities. 

“ACE are very excited to be partnering with SACA, Take Her Lead and Birmingham City University on this project,” said Chevy Green, Director of the ACE Programme. 

“We share similar values and are passionate about accelerating change when addressing diversifying talent pathways and systems in cricket. At ACE, we strive to support underrepresented groups from the grassroot to the elite. Research projects like this support all our efforts in doing so.” 

Jayde Ellis, CEO of Take Her Lead, added: “All four organisations share a commitment to understanding challenges that may inhibit a young player from fulfilling their potential and to finding solutions to improve the system for all. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable insight across both the men's and women's pathways, and to begin bridging the gap in the depth of research currently available globally about the women’s and girls' game in particular.” 

Dr Tom Brown, who is now SACA’s managing director, said: “SACA is really excited to be part of this research group and looks forward to developing the game’s understanding around the cultural needs of those wishing to participate in our talent systems.  

“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Take Her Lead and ACE, who were founded by Isa Guha and Ebony Rainford-Brent respectively. They are not only role models to female cricketers but to all those working to make cricket a game for all."