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Update from the Chair: ECB High Performance Review

27 August 2022

Message from the Chair, Friday 26th August 2022 

Earlier this week I wrote to all Members regarding the high performance review being conducted by Sir Andrew Strauss, Chair of the ECB’s Cricket Committee.

This morning, the ECB has published both a blog from Sir Andrew Strauss and a document that forms the basis of the consultation process now beginning around the country (available to read here). I feel it is important to stress that the document does not contain finalised recommendations and media speculation is just that; speculation. 

Senior Representatives of the Club are meeting with the ECB and other First Class Counties at the end of next week, when further details will be provided to us and when we have an opportunity to ask questions of those involved in the process. We cannot prevent the process of ongoing media speculation between now and then but there are two very important points raised by Sir Andrew today that I feel are worth highlighting at this stage.

He writes: “We want a thriving and future-proofed men’s domestic game, in which all 18 First-Class Counties are established at the heart of our ambitions. It will be important the First-Class Counties have the appropriate time to consider the final recommendations and to properly engage with their stakeholders. The First-Class County Chairs Representative Board has therefore proposed the 2023 LV= Insurance County Championship remains at 14 matches for each county. This will allow more time for the debate about the best long-term structure from 2024 onwards to take place”.

We are today able to share with you a time line of events that will ultimately lead up to the vote by First Class Counties on the proposals being put forward: 

Friday 9th September – Proposals are publicly announced; Gloucestershire Cricket will immediately forward the report on to its membership to read and digest.

Monday 12th September 7pm (arrival from 6:15pm) – the Club will host a special meeting of its Members to discuss the high performance review, both to hear from key figures within the Club and to give people an opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Whilst the timing is tight from the emergence of the report to the hosting of this meeting, we wanted to provide the earliest possible opportunity for us all to discuss the proposals when they are known as opposed to speculating on rumour or unknowns. Importantly, the Club will broadcast this meeting to Members who are unable to attend in person and we will also ensure a recording is made available to all Members within 24 hours. Details of how to watch the online broadcast (and submit questions in writing on the night) will be made available to Members in due course.

Tuesday 20th September – First Class County Chairs will vote on the ECB high performance review proposals. We know that Members are hugely interested and engaged in all these matters; please be assured that your opinions will be listened to and we will engage with Members openly and transparently at all stages of the process.

Additionally, on Wednesday 21st September, we will be hosting a Grace Society Lunch on day two of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire County Championship match in Bristol. The Club will also host a Members Forum 30 minutes after the close of play. This will be an opportunity for me to speak with Members as soon as possible after the ECB meeting, and also to hear from Performance Director, Steve Snell, and Head Coach, Dale Benkenstein, as we come to the conclusion of the domestic season.

The Club has also announced its End of Season Gala Dinner, in partnership with the Gloucestershire Cricket Trust, will take place at Bristol on the evening of Friday 30th September. This will be an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about the Club, from its on-field achievements to the recognition of volunteers who have contributed to the growth and success of the Club’s community programmes.

With Best Wishes, 

David Jones

Chair of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club 

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