Cricket Attracts Record Crowds

23 Nov 2015 | tshego

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Cricket has recorded its highest overall attendance figures for international and domestic matches since the ECB was founded 18 years ago.

The Ashes combined with three successful domestic competitions, for both men and women, drew over 2.3m fans to matches in England and Wales.

County cricket also saw 1.5m attend the LV=County Championship, Royal London One-Day Cup and NatWest T20 Blast matches combined, with all three competitions recording increased total attendances year-on-year.

Despite all five Investec Ashes Test matches finishing inside four days, international attendances were up by 75,000 on 2014, supported by sell-out women’s internationals as well as Test and One Day series against New Zealand.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said: “Across the summer attendances grew for each of the county competitions as well as the international games.

“We saw an inspiring series with New Zealand and an Investec Ashes victory for England’s men; an ever-higher profile and record crowds for the Women’s Ashes series; ECB records for all three formats of the domestic game; and, at grassroots level, significant increases in entries for our junior cricket competitions alongside our highest levels of volunteering for the NatWest Cricket Force.

“These figures reflect a big effort by the counties, our international venues and partners to enhance the match day experience, improve facilities and make our cricket grounds as fan-friendly and accessible as possible.

“They are all good signs and there are big opportunities ahead. We know that there’s more that can be done to draw people to watch and play cricket and further improve standards across the game.”