For the 2026 and 2030 Twenty20 World Cups, the UK will construct sixteen all-weather domes.

Photo-AFP

In London, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled a £35 million ($44.35 million) initiative on Friday aimed at bolstering cricket infrastructure in the UK. The funding will primarily support the construction of 16 all-weather domes in cities slated to host matches for the T20 World Cups in 2026 and 2030. 

Scheduled for England and Wales, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2030 men’s edition, to be held in England, Scotland, and Ireland, will benefit from these investments. Sunak emphasized that the domes aim to promote year-round cricket participation at the grassroots level, especially in communities with low levels of physical activity.

The initiative seeks to encourage children to engage in cricket beyond the traditional summer season, fostering a lasting interest in the sport. Sunak expressed optimism about the domes' potential to enhance the appeal of cricket among youth, particularly as the UK prepares to host both the women’s and men’s T20 World Cups.

The £35 million investment will be disbursed over the next five years, with a portion allocated to three prominent charities: Chance to Shine, Lord’s Taverners, and ACE. This funding underscores the government's commitment to supporting cricket development and community engagement initiatives across the country.