IG and England Cricket aim to level the playing field by improving Local Cricket net facilities

Net Gains campaign will celebrate and engage cricket fans while investing in local communities

7 June 2023: IG, a leading trading and investing provider, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today jointly announced the launch of Net Gains, a new campaign that will raise funds to build cricket nets for community use in the five cities hosting Ashes Tests this summer.

As part of the programme, IG and the ECB have committed to invest in new public net facilities, in locations across the country, via the IG Net Gains fund. Matchday goers will be invited to help build up the Net Gains fund by stepping into the IG Net Gains Arena at Ashes venues – a cricket simulator equipped with cutting-edge augmented reality technology. Each fan will face six famous deliveries from Ashes history, including the late Shane Warne’s ‘ball of the century,’ with every run they score translating into a contribution to the IG Net Gains fund.

IG will also produce video content which shines a light on the unique and essential role of cricket net facilities in shaping the fortunes of cricketers at every level of the game.

Matt Macklin, IG’s regional CEO said: “IG believes in levelling the playing field, whether that is on a cricket pitch or by supporting people in pursuing their financial goals. We know that having the right opportunities and tools in life can be a game changer – and we are doing our part to help make that happen. Through the IG Net Gains fund, more communities will have access to invaluable practice facilities, helping more people to improve their skills and develop the confidence they need to excel.”

Now entering its third year as an Official Partner of England Cricket, IG is collaborating with the ECB to help make cricket the most inclusive sport in the country. Last year, IG teamed up with cricket charity, Chance to Shine, to support their flagship Girls Leadership Programme. The programme, which helps young girls to become future leaders through the transformative power of cricket, was part-funded by a donation from IG Group’s Brighter Future fund.

Bruce Cruse, Director of Facilities at the ECB said: “This summer is shaping up to be one of the most hotly anticipated of recent times and it will be an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation. We are delighted to be partnering with IG on the Net Gains Fund, which will ensure that this year’s Ashes series create a genuine legacy across identified communities and provide facilities that will help to nurture and develop young talent into the stars of the future.

“The IG Net Gains Arena promises to be an unmissable matchday addition for anyone heading to an Ashes Test Match this summer. We can’t wait to see how fans get on, facing some of the most memorable balls from this iconic series.”

ENDS

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Joe Downes, CSM Sport and Entertainment ([email protected] / 07977 637314)

Lissy Williams, CSM Sport and Entertainment ([email protected] / 07974 037648)

Notes to Editors

About IG
IG is a leading trading and investing provider powering the pursuit of financial freedom for the ambitious. We give our clients the products, content, and customer service they need to invest and trade with confidence. They get fast, flexible access to over 17,000 financial markets – including indices, forex, shares, and commodities. We are part of the IG Group (LSE:IGG), a global FTSE 250 fintech company, giving us stability in an ever-changing sector.

About ECB
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is the governing body for cricket in England and Wales. It is responsible for the development of the sport across all levels, from grassroots to elite level with the primary aim of inspiring participation, fostering talent and the continued growth and success of cricket across the country.