ECB Confirms Gray-Nicolls As Supplier Of Development Competitions Equipment

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has signed a three year agreement with Gray-Nicolls to manufacture and distribute the ECB Development Competitions Equipment, specifically for the ASDA KwikCricket and InterCricket programmes.

ASDA KwikCricket is a simplified version of the game designed for children aged seven to 11 years. It is currently played in over 8,000 primary schools and 3,600 ECB affiliated clubs with junior sections.  InterCricket is intended to bridge the gap between KwikCricket and the traditional hard ball game specifically where, for reasons of facility or ability, hard ball cricket is not possible. InterCricket has shown increased levels of participation in cricket, particularly amongst 12-14 year olds.

Gray-Nicolls has been appointed to supply ASDA KwikCricket sets including bats, balls and stumps, which will feature the distinctive blue colour, with bats made in three sizes to accommodate all ages and heights. Coaches’ sets, instructions, award certificates and badges are also available.  InterCricket sets will also be supplied by Gray-Nicolls which will include bats, balls, stumps and basic protective equipment. All equipment will be available via a website and direct mail or phone order, as well as relevant retailers, wholesalers and distributors from February 2011. 

Paul Bedford, ECB Head of Non-First Class Cricket, said “These programmes are fundamental elements in ECB strategy for ‘Enthusing Participation’ and ECB look forward to working with Gray-Nicolls to ensure all of our schools and clubs have excellent equipment available”.

John Perera, ECB Commercial Director, said “Gray-Nicolls has a long history of involvement with cricket and has sponsored many cricket players over the years, from junior levels all the way through to England careers – including current England Test Captain, Andrew Strauss. We welcome them on board as supplier of the Development Competitions Equipment and look forward to an equally successful partnership”.

Richard Gray, Sales and Marketing Director at Gray-Nicolls, said “Everyone at Gray-Nicolls is proud to have been awarded the contract by the ECB to supply the Development Competitions Equipment.  We are keen to support the development of junior cricket wherever we can to help ensure the game continues to prosper and grow and Kwik Cricket, in particular, represents an important first taste of the sport for many children around the country.  We have worked closely with the ECB to introduce some exciting new developments and we have more in the pipeline that we are confident will enhance what is already a very popular format of the game.”