Bell-Drummond helps launch London Cricket Trust

The London Cricket Trust, a registered charity formed by Essex, Kent, Middlesex and Surrey County Cricket Clubs, is working with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to ‘put cricket back into London’s parks’.

More than 50 new cricket facilities will be installed in the capital between 2018 and 2020.

Kent batsman Daniel Bell-Drummond joined Middlesex captain Dawid Malan, Feroze Khushi of Essex and Scott Borthwick of Surrey at the official launch of the London Cricket Trust held to celebrate the opening of the new cricket facilities at Seven Kings Park, Redbridge.

Malan said: “It’s great to see the four counties working together and joining forces with the ECB to provide new cricket facilities. More nets and non-turf pitches means more cricket being played, and that means more physical activity, less obesity and more opportunities for social cohesion.”

Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said: “It’s great news that we have these new cricket facilities in Seven Kings Park operated by Vision. There is real passion for cricket in our borough and through this project local people of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to play the game for free and keep healthy at the same time.

“Providing first class sports provision is right at the top of our agenda and I want to say a big thank you to the London Cricket Trust and the ECB for providing the funding for these fantastic facilities.”

Forhad Hussain, trustee of the London Cricket Trust said: “The demand for cricket facilities across London has never been greater and This programme is being launched at the perfect time. Everybody – the county clubs, ECB and councils across the city, have come together to provide this massive boost to the game.”

Bruce Cruse, ECB Head of Participation, of the ECB said: “The new cricketing facilities at Seven Kings Park will empower local communities to have the opportunity to play the game in a way and at times that suits them.

“Our South Asian Action Plan includes a commitment to providing access to cricketing facilities in urban areas across the country and projects like this are a key part of our plans to grow the game, get a bat and ball in more hands and ensure that cricket is a sport that is accessible for everyone.”

The London Cricket Trust has already installed new facilities at Hillyfields in Lewisham, Streatham Common, Lampton School in Hounslow and Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets as well as Seven Kings Park in Redbridge.

A further 25 facilities, both new and non-turf pitches, will be installed before the start of the 2019 cricket season, with at least 20 new facilities to follow in 2020.