Labour freezes £35m cricket funding ahead of spending review

The new Labour government has decided to freeze a previously agreed £35 million funding package for English cricket, which was announced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April. This decision comes as the government prepares for an upcoming spending review, prompting scrutiny of various public expenditures. The freeze has raised concerns among cricket counties and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who are anxious about the potential impact on their operations and future plans. The funding was intended to support initiatives related to England and Wales hosting the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is a significant event for promoting women's cricket. The ECB and counties are hopeful that the funding will eventually be approved, as it is tied to this major tournament. However, the uncertainty surrounding the funding has left many in the cricket community on edge. In addition to cricket, other sports are also facing a period of uncertainty regarding their funding as the government reviews its financial commitments. This situation has created a climate of anxiety among various sporting organizations, as they await the outcomes of the spending review. The implications of these funding decisions could have far-reaching effects on the development and support of sports across the country. As the Labour government seeks to balance its budget, the future of sports funding remains precarious. Stakeholders in the sports community are advocating for the importance of continued investment in sports, particularly in light of upcoming events that could enhance the profile of sports in the UK.