In a landmark development for Welsh sport, Cricket Wales has officially become the first national governing body in the country to be granted charitable status. The milestone, approved by the Charity Commission in October 2025, marks a new phase for the organisation, positioning it to deliver deeper social value, expand grassroots cricket, and engage more directly with communities across Wales.
Cricket Wales will now operate as a charity limited by guarantee under registration number 1215329. This transition underscores its transformation into a purpose-driven entity committed to using cricket as a tool for inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity.
Strengthening grassroots and community focus
While Glamorgan Cricket will continue to oversee elite performance and talent pathways, Cricket Wales is shifting its strategic focus more sharply toward community development. Its initiatives will aim to increase access to cricket in underserved areas, pursue gender equity in the sport, promote disability inclusion, and build deeper connections with ethnically diverse groups.
These goals are central to the organisation’s long-term vision, Criced: A Sport for All, which defines cricket as a vehicle for widespread inclusion and lasting societal impact.
Barry Cawte, CEO of Cricket Wales, said in an official statement, “This is central to our strategy of Criced: A Sport for All. This is our bold, collective step forward. It is built on the firm belief that cricket can and must become a truly inclusive, sustainable, and thriving sport in every corner of Wales.”
He added, “It reflects the voices of our people, the needs of our communities, and the unwavering values we hold dear: Together, Lead, Care. We are protecting what’s precious in cricket, its spirit, its heritage, and its sense of belonging, while revolutionising its future for generations to come.”
Inviting business to be part of cricket’s future
Cricket Wales is now actively seeking partnerships with the business community to further its charitable goals. By aligning with corporate social responsibility priorities, the organisation aims to create mutually beneficial collaborations that support community programmes while enhancing brand visibility for partner companies.
Mark Frost, Partnerships Manager at Cricket Wales, said in an official statement, “We want to increase our visibility within the business sector.”
He explained the strategic benefit of the organisation’s new charitable framework: “Having charitable status sends a clear signal about how we can align the work of Cricket Wales, supporting communities and creating opportunities, with businesses’ own social impact aims. It also helps enhance their visibility and profile across Wales.”
Frost noted that interest from businesses tends to grow once they understand the scope of Cricket Wales’ work: “Once people find out what we do, many businesses are eager to explore how we can work together.”
He issued a call to action to potential partners, adding, “We’re inviting more organisations to come on board and be part of this exciting journey.”
Building lasting impact through partnership
Several companies have already joined Cricket Wales as Affiliate Partners, collaborating on projects that directly benefit local clubs and communities. These partnerships not only fuel grassroots development but also create economic value by connecting trusted businesses with a network of over 200 clubs and leagues across Wales.
In addition to corporate sponsorships, Cricket Wales encourages individuals and organisations to consider legacy giving, including charitable donations or nominations in wills. These contributions help sustain long-term programmes that ensure cricket remains a force for community development across generations.
As the first Welsh governing body to achieve charitable status, Cricket Wales is not only rewriting the rulebook for cricket administration but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and connected future — one where the sport serves as a bridge between business, community, and purpose.
