The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has signed a new partnership with the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA).
The four-year agreement will seek to enhance spectator safety and security at domestic and international grounds.
The two parties will work to carry out safety audits, review current procedures and provide training for chief executives, safety officers and ground management staff at venues across England and Wales.
The partnership ties in with the ECB’s plans to improve the in-stadium experience for supporters as outlined in Cricket Unleashed, the body’s national framework for growing the sport at all levels.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “We want fans to feel safe and secure at all times – and gain maximum enjoyment from watching cricket. Improving safety and security is an important part of our broader plans to enhance spectators’ match-day experience and attract more people to the sport.
“The SGSA is the world’s leading authority in this area and we look forward to drawing on their guidance and expertise as we prepare to host three different global events over the next three summers, and develop plans to broaden the audience for all forms of cricket.”
Karen Eyre-White, the SGSA’s chief executive, added: “We are delighted to be continuing to support the ECB in its mission to improve safety for all spectators at their grounds. The ECB is a proactive governing body that understands the importance of taking a holistic approach to safety and values what good safety management practices can deliver for spectators.
“We’ve been working together for more than a year and our new partnership reflects the ECB’s ongoing commitment to improve standards and ensure safety remains a priority.”
The ECB is scheduled to host three major events over the next three years in the shape of this summer’s ICC Champions Trophy and Women’s World Cup, and the men’s World Cup in 2019.
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