Image source, Rex’s Features
Essex’s new general manager, Dan Feist, believes being selected to host the Women’s World Cup in 2026 will be key to further establishing the county as a major cricket centre.
Feist was appointed general manager as part of a restructuring that will see chief executive John Stephenson leave Chelmsford at the end of this season.
“Our aim is to be the number one region for cricket and there are plenty of indicators at the moment that suggest we are well placed to achieve that,” Feist told BBC Essex Sport.
“Obviously the main issue we’re discussing with the city council and the county council is how we ensure this is the centre of the future and that cricket can be played in Chelmsford for the next 100 years.”
“A big part of the coming months will be our application to host Women’s World Cup matches here in 2026.
“As with any major event taking place in the country right now, it’s not just the location that matters. It’s the engagement, the opportunity, the enthusiasm, the economic viability and everything that goes into it in terms of community and impact.”
Essex are one of the most successful clubs of the 21st century, having been county champions in 2017 and 2019 and completing a double by winning the T20 Blast five years ago, as well as winning four other trophies.
“The growing population and the regional diversity in different sectors make it an important base for the country from the ECB’s point of view. [England and Wales Cricket Board] “There is an ambition to be the most inclusive sport and there are lots of examples of how we can have an impact on that,” he said.
“As the game grows and the expectations that come with it, we need to make sure we are making the most of our unique selling point: a large proportion of the UK population lives in this region and there is a huge passion for the game.”