Durham fight Ashes proposal (From Durham Times)

Durham fight Ashes proposal

9:55am Saturday 20th March 2010

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PROPOSALS to ensure future Ashes Tests can be seen on terrestrial television will harm investment in grassroots cricket in the North-East it has been claimed, writes TONY KEARNEY.

Durham County Cricket Club and Durham Cricket Board say the proposals could cost the sport £130m over four years.

Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture and Media and Sport, is considering plans to list key sporting events, making sure they have to be shown to the widest possible audience on terrestrial television and is considering a recommendation that home Ashes tests be included.

Durham CCC, who are due to host their first Ashes Test in 2013, believe the proposal “would have a disastrous impact on our ability to support and develop cricket in the Durham area.”

The club supports increased investment in the sport at all levels.

Durham Cricket Board secretary, Bob Jackson, said: “The investment in cricket has allowed us to expand projects throughout the region, which not only promote participation but also allow us to tackle wider social issues through the power of sport.”

Durham CCC chief executive, David Harker, added: “As a club that prides itself on searching out local talent to bring into our Academy system in the search for the next intake into the senior squad, it’s important that youngsters in the region have as much opportunity to play cricket as possible.”

The consultation process on the proposals ends on March 19.

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