Following a lengthy review of its governance structure, leading figures in Cornwall cricket, on the 12th December at an EGM, made significant changes to the way the sport is led and delivered in the county. Bringing its constituent parts much closer together, the new structure should lead to greater cooperation, more clarity in strategic decision-making, and an enhanced capacity to demonstrate accountability to the national governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board.  Cricketers themselves, whether male or female, young or old, will see little by way of change. 

At the strategic level, however, the Cornwall Cricket Board – which acts as the governing body for all cricket in Cornwall – will create several committees responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game: directing the high-performance pathway for talented young cricketers, growing cricket across a broad range of constituencies, and setting the conditions for our county teams to compete effectively, investing resources where best needed to effect positive change. 
 
Managing Director, Joe Skinner, said that “the experience of the pandemic gave us an opportunity to review how we develop and deliver cricket across Cornwall.  We entered into an inclusive process to develop the best model for cricket’s governance, and I am confident that the unanimity demonstrated by representatives of Cornwall Cricket yesterday evening will foster a new spirit of cooperation as we seek to grow its appeal.” 

Cricket has come under the media spotlight a great deal in a year marred by allegations of racism within some first-class counties.  Through this period, Cornwall Cricket has developed
its own equity, diversity, and inclusion action plan, aimed to ensure that the game reaches all constituencies within the county.  It has set up a hardship fund for those whose socio-
economic status would otherwise deny them the opportunity to participate.  Reflecting on this, Joe Skinner said, “cricket offers opportunities for all.  We have cricket for all age groups
and abilities, across all genders, and have really developed our offer to people with disabilities.  We want everyone to feel welcome.”  Indeed, 2022 has seen the employment of
a new professional member of staff to deliver Disability Cricket, and the inauguration of the Women’s Hundred.
 
The new governance arrangements will have two primary committees.  One will govern representative cricket, providing strategic direction to the organisations enabling those
whose talent allow them to represent the county and who might, in time, go on to play first-class cricket.  The other will govern recreational cricket, combining the efforts of the league,
the youth and women’s associations, officials, and ground staff, to continue to deliver quality grassroots cricket throughout the county. 

Joe Skinner said, “We have a great passion for the game and some of the best facilities on offer down here in Cornwall and people get a great deal from the exposure to the game.  But we can always do better, and we now have the structure needed to work more collaboratively to address challenges, evaluate risks, and channel resources where necessary to give our players and officials from all areas the best possible experience.”