From 25 – 28 August 2022 the cricket community in England and Wales will be uniting in support of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, to raise awareness around LGBTQ+ inclusion and help make cricket a more welcoming place for everyone.

Spearheaded by elite matches taking place over the weekend (England Men’s first Test vs South Africa; The Hundred; Royal London Cup), the ECB has also created a toolkit for recreational clubs and leagues, to ensure everyone in cricket can participate.

Evidence shows that many LGBTQ+ people do not feel comfortable being themselves at sporting events; whether playing, spectating, or working in some capacity. This season, the ECB has been working closely with Proud Surrey, the LGBTQ+ supporters’ group for Surrey County Cricket Club to help set up a national supporters’ network for the game called Pride In Cricket. Its ambition is to provide a safe space online and at games for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Please register your interest to hear more online.

As part of the ECB’s commitment to Raising The Game, our Rainbow Laces toolkit for clubs and leagues contains a number of suggested ways for everyone in cricket to get involved, including:

• Social media templates and ready to use digital assets, available on the ECB Resource Hub
• Activation bundles, including flags, bunting, bucket hats and laces – free for recreational clubs (limited numbers)
• Suggestions on how to host your own Rainbow Laces match / celebration

To request an activation bundle, or for any other questions about the campaign, please contact [email protected].uk.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Cricket Conference

A one day conference on building LGBTQ+ participation in cricket, In Edgbaston 1st September - Register here if you would like to attend.