Middlesex unveil diversity plan to improve ‘inclusive representation of cricket at every level’

Middlesex have unveiled a Diversity and Inclusion Activation Plan as the county looks to "become a more welcoming and much more inclusive representation of cricket at every level” in its 18 boroughs.

The Plan is the “product of seven or eight months of work” from a nine-strong Working Group, who have come up with four key aims to address.

Central to this will be a series of roadshows “to take cricket to the people”, an “overhaul of elements of the youth programme” including a new talent identification process to discover players from “non-traditional pathways”, and new pink-ball midweek T20 competitions.

Middlesex Chairman Mike O’Farrell said: "We are very determined to ensure that the diverse communities that we cover have a real opportunity to appreciate the benefit that cricket offers at every age, gender and ability.

“The group of people who have helped Middlesex Cricket to get to this point are also very determined that these plans are carried through, and as a result we become a more welcoming and much more inclusive representation of cricket at every level – both professional and recreational, on and off the field of play.”

Jonathan Pierre, part of the working group, told Standard Sport: “Over the past couple of years the board at Middlesex has had a period of introspection, looked at the teams, the fanbase and everything around the club, and came to the conclusion that it doesn’t necessarily reflect the broader Middlesex community and the cricket that’s played within the boroughs of our catchment area,”

“That’s been the genesis of getting people together to discuss how we can improve the inclusion and diversity of the organisation, and open up Middlesex to the broader community.

“We represent a broad community and want cricket to represent it as thoroughly as possible, so more people engage and interact with the game.”

Middlesex are inviting feedback from across the capital and county “to inform, educate, and provide insight to the Club” as they shape further Diversity and Inclusion work in the coming months.