Why 2026 will be a significant year for cricket in Oxfordshire

Peter Tervet, Chair of Oxfordshire Cricket, reflects on how charitable status and grassroots growth are shaping the future of the game in the county.

We’re entering an important new phase for cricket in Oxfordshire.

As we continue our transition to charitable status, 2026 will mark a point where the work being done at grassroots level is increasingly reflected in how the game is supported, governed and grown across the county.

At its heart, cricket depends on volunteers.

Protecting

Clubs, junior programmes and competitions only function because of the time, energy and commitment people give locally, often quietly and without recognition. Protecting and supporting that volunteer base is fundamental to the long-term health of the sport.

Grassroots cricket underpins everything. It feeds participation, performance and enthusiasm at every level, from local clubs through to the national game.

Events like the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales help shine a light on that connection, but the real impact is felt week in, week out, in communities.

Oxfordshire has a strong reputation for giving opportunities to young people and for consistently punching above its weight.

We’re already seeing significant growth at junior level compared to many other counties, which is encouraging and reflects the work being done across clubs and programmes.

We’re particularly proud of initiatives such as our Future Leaders Academy and the partnership with the University of Oxford.

Programmes like these help instil a culture of volunteering and leadership from an early age, supporting not just individual clubs but the wider game.

There is real scope to build on this momentum as we look ahead.

GRASSROOTS CRICKET: Crucial for the foundations of the sport

Strategy

Having a progressive Managing Director in Nick Pinhol brings energy and openness to how we think about the future, and partnerships with institutions like the University of Oxford demonstrate the value of collaboration beyond traditional boundaries.

I’m looking forward to the launch of our 2026–28 strategy on 12 January.

Ultimately, strategy only matters if it is delivered, and Oxfordshire Cricket benefits from a committed, motivated network of staff, volunteers and partners.

Participation continues to grow across our introductory programmes, including All Stars and Dynamos, and it’s vital that cricket remains inclusive and accessible at all levels.

This year alone, a record 4,605 young players took part in Oxfordshire Cricket competitions, which is a strong indicator that young people are engaged and want to stay involved in the game.

That combination of participation, volunteer commitment and clearer organisational foundations gives us confidence that cricket in Oxfordshire is in a great place as we look towards 2026 and beyond.