Shorts: Emirates Old Trafford, ECB, Sky Sports

Lancashire Cricket has agreed a new commercial partnership with global architectural, engineering and design practice Building Design Partnership (BDP).

BDP has been Lancashire Cricket’s architects since 2008 when redevelopment at Emirates Old Trafford originally commenced and has since worked on a decade-long, £60m redevelopment of the ground.

2023 will mark the beginning of the latest Emirates Old Trafford redevelopment project led by BDP – which includes a 100-room hotel extension to the current Hilton Garden Inn.

As part of the agreement, BDP will also sponsor the club’s networking event in Mumbai next week – as part of Lancashire Thunder’s pre-season tour to India, where the squad will be based at Reliance Park, home of the Mumbai Indians.

Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive of Lancashire Cricket, commented, “We have worked with BDP for a long time, so we’re thrilled that they have further enhanced their relationship with Lancashire Cricket by becoming an official partner during 2023.

“They have played a pivotal role in the £60 million redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford that we have seen over the past decade, and they are also working closely with us on the Farington second ground project, which was approved earlier this month, subject to final Government approval.

“We thank BDP for their support of our pre-season tour to India next week with Thunder – another historic moment for the Club – as we take our professional women’s set up to Reliance Park in Mumbai for a week-long training camp.”

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Clare Connor as its new ECB Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director England Women.

Connor took on the role of Interim CEO in June 2022, having previously been ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket. She will now begin her new role with immediate effect following Richard Gould’s arrival at the organisation as CEO in February.

Richard Gould, ECB CEO, commented, “This is a huge year for cricket, with the men’s and women’s Ashes to look forward to, the women’s game developing so quickly and domestic cricket on a fast growth strategy, while we also have the challenges of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report to come.

“I am delighted therefore that Clare has accepted the role of Deputy CEO and MD England Women. She did an excellent job as Interim CEO, and prior to this as MD Women’s Cricket. The new role will allow her to continue to lead and influence across the game, allowing us all to benefit from her experience and knowledge.”

As well as working closely alongside Richard on Board-level leadership responsibilities, Clare’s initial focus will be on the ‘game-wide response to the ICEC report to make sure we move the game forwards in a positive and progressive manner.’

Her new role will also cover England Disability Cricket and other projects.

England Athletics has announced goodr as its official sunglasses partner.

The US sunglasses brand will make its products available to all athletes on the England Athletics roster as part of the new deal.

Chris Jones, Chief Executive of England Athletics, said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome goodr to England Athletics as our official sunglasses partner. This partnership underpins the values of fun, inspiration, integrity, and inclusivity that we stand for as an organisation.”

Earlier in the month, England Athletics partnered with UK sportswear brand Pressio.

British luxury sportswear brand Fly has revealed undefeated boxing champion Joe Cordina as a brand ambassador for their first ever premium boxing shoe, the Storm Boot.

Cordina will debut the boots during his training and fight to become a two-time world champion on 22nd April, as he takes on Tajikistan’s Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov at Cardiff International Arena.

Cordina commented, “Fly has been my go-to brand for high-quality, luxury boxing wear for years now and I’m really excited to get all geared up in their new Storm Boot for my return to the ring against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov this April.”

Sky Sports has appointed Jo Osborne as its first Head of Women’s Sport.

Osborne has previously worked as an Executive Producer at the UK subscription broadcaster but will now be focused on establishing Sky Sport’s place as one of the country’s biggest investors in women’s sports.

Osbourne commented, “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time for women’s sport.”

“I look forward to working with my colleagues across the business and our partners to grow and champion our women’s sport rights and bring this exciting content to an even wider audience.”