Blog Article
Project 1: Talent Identification and Development in British South Asian Women and Girls in Cricket
The overall aim of this research project is to enhance understanding of talent identification and development process in female elite youth cricket, particularly in recruiting and retaining British South Asian origin cricketers in England and Wales. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential causes of the discrepancy in British South Asian representation between elite and recreational cricket in England and Wales.
Recent research by the England & Wales Cricket Board, in the Talent Pathway Action Plan (ECB, 2024), revealed “a consistent decline in ethnic diversity within the Girls' Pathway as it advances”. This finding highlights the critical need to address transition points within the pathway to ensure greater representation. This demographic imbalance is mirrored at the professional level, where South Asian players create just 3.1% of the overall professional playing cohort.
It is hoped this project will help create strategies and inform policy making to ensure British South Asian females can achieve their full potential in cricket.
Project Team
SACA/ACE Project: An investigation into the equity of the Male Cricket Talent Pathway
The overall aim of this project is to provide a greater understanding of the talent pathway process in junior cricket and support coaches in the selection of players. The purpose is to determine any issues with the pathway and provide solutions to create more equitable opportunities for all. Additionally, it aims to create a tool for all coaches to look at selection from a holistic perspective.
This study is following on from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report which identified that the talent pathway is currently not fair and just. It is recommended that talent pathway structure should be overhauled to make it more meritocratic, inclusive, accountable, transparent and consistent. Moreover, this research project follows on from Making Cricket a More Inclusive Report and aims to Develop and implement best practices for player recruitment principles and processes across England and Wales.
It is hoped that through this project a more equitable talent pathway structure and selection process is created.
Project Team