Victoria leads Australian cricket participation

Victoria recorded an overall 15% increase in season 2013-14 to climb to 327,290 participants.

Importantly, the declining club cricket trend over the past three years has turned in the positive direction, with now 121,725 club participants, at a time when most other sports are seeing their numbers decrease.

Reflecting the new audiences that the KFC T20 Big Bash League are bringing to cricket, there was significant growth in female cricket (up 39.6%), MILO in2CRICKET (up 20%) and MILO T20 Blast (up 69.3%).

Overall figures for school tournaments and indoor cricket also increased 9% and 6% respectively.

Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide said that the figures were a testament to all the hard work put in by the Victorian cricket community.

“It is pleasing to see Victoria has maintained its position as Australia’s leading cricket state,” Dodemaide said.

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all of our outstanding volunteers at club and association level, who remain the lifeblood of our sport.

“Your dedication to the prosperity of cricket in this state is inspiring.”

Today’s announcement coincides with the beginning of Play Cricket Week, in which players, both senior and junior, are encouraged to sign up with their local club for the 2014-15 season.

Players are encouraged to visit www.playcricket.com.au.