The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is pleased to share the success of this summer’s Taste of Cricket campaign, celebrating inclusion and diversity across the game with over 2,000 people at recreational cricket clubs across England and Wales.
As part of the Raising the Game platform, Taste of Cricket highlights the sport’s unique relationship with food and its ability to bring communities together. Designed to ensure that everyone feels welcome to play, work, volunteer, and enjoy cricket, the campaign has focused on strengthening community bonds through the cherished tradition of match teas.
England’s Chris Jordan, Emma Lamb and Phil Salt are just a few of the cricketing stars to have visited clubs across England and Wales over the past few months, along with celebrity chef’s Ainsley Harriott, Chris Bavin and Angelica Bell.
England Men’s Deaf bowler, James O’Connor joined rising star Josh Tongue at Holyport Cricket Club to kick off the first of eight flagship events. With the likes of 2017 ODI World Cup Winner, Fran Wilson and England Men’s Visually Impaired captain Ed Hossell, also joining in the fun.
Throughout the summer, Taste of Cricket has seen cricket clubs throw open their doors to their local communities to invite them to enjoy an incredible variety of food, reflecting the diverse cultures seen across the game. More than 12 different cultural cuisines were offered at the match tea events, ranging from Sri Lankan and Caribbean to Welsh, Afghani, Pakistani and beyond; celebrating the culinary diversity within the cricket community.
Across the eight flagship events, supported by Remitly, over 500 samosas were cooked and enjoyed, alongside more than 800 portions of jerk chicken and 150 perfectly grilled Welsh lamb chops. Thirty different varieties of curry were also sampled alongside 20 types of bread and over 300 slices of cake adding a sweet touch to the celebrations!
Beyond the food, the campaign has continued to promote inclusivity within cricket, with hundreds of people from the local communities of the clubs involved invited to come along, watch some of the cricket being played and enjoy the match tea occasion.
England Men’s Chris Jordan attended the Taste of Cricket event at Shepherds Bush CC, he commented at the event, “Having the opportunity to tour the world and experience different cuisines and cultures through the iconic match tea is really special and completely unique to cricket. Being at Shepherds Bush Cricket Club event and sampling the amazing food that defines the club and meeting the members that make such an impact to its culture was an incredible experience.”
Natalie Raja, President of Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club, added, “It’s been an honour hosting one of the ECB’s Taste of Cricket events at Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to foster an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome to give cricket a go. Like cricket, which is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, food is also a great leveller. It’s been a pleasure to marry the two and see the event bringing communities together.”
Kate Miller, the ECB’s Chief Communications Officer, commented, “Being one of the only sports that breaks play to eat, cricket and food are intrinsically linked. The clubs that we have partnered with for Taste of Cricket have all shown remarkable progress in making the game more inclusive and diverse. These past few months have been a brilliant celebration of the profound connection between cricket and food, demonstrating the power it has to unite communities.”
England Men’s Adil Rashid MBE, added, “Food has always played a big part in my life – as someone of Pakistani heritage, some of my fondest memories are centred around mealtimes with family. So, to be a part of a sport that celebrates different cuisines and cultures in such a unique way is really special.”
Money transfer remittance service, Remitly, also offered 100 inspirational community clubs, who excel at promoting diversity and inclusion, an opportunity to get in on the action this summer. Participating clubs have received a Taste of Cricket hamper, including a supermarket voucher, picnic goodies, and recipes to supercharge their very own Taste of Cricket match tea.
Many of the dishes served at the flagship events will be featured in the Taste of Cricket cookbook, which is set to be released in October. The cookbook will include recipes from tea-making volunteers, professional players, and celebrity fans of the game, offering a unique culinary journey through the heart of cricket.