The Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCI) and the European Cricket Network (ECN) are pleased to announce their expanded partnership, marking the next milestone in the advancement of cricket in Italy. This strategic collaboration focuses on enhancing domestic and international cricket opportunities for men and women, while providing new support for youth development in the country.
Zurich, Switzerland - The Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCI) and the European Cricket Network (ECN) are pleased to announce their expanded partnership, marking the next milestone in the advancement of cricket in Italy. This strategic collaboration focuses on enhancing domestic and international cricket opportunities for men and women, while providing new support for youth development in the country.
The cornerstone of the expanded partnership between ECN and FCI revolves around strengthening the broadcasting of domestic and international cricket in Italy. By facilitating more cricketing events, this collaboration will showcase the immense talent within Italy and further elevate the nation's international cricket promotion. Through hosting international teams and fostering a positive environment for the sport, Italy aims to establish itself as the premier European cricket country and push further on the global stage in the years to come.
Along with this Agreement, there has also been the creation of a “Steering Committee” which will be made up of members of ECN and FCI. The Steering Committee will assemble for meetings each year to plan and ensure a strengthened calendar and schedule of events for each following year is scheduled by November 31 of the previous year. This will create a solid platform and enhanced planning for domestic cricket and the opportunity to create a future tours program of international cricket, with both to be broadcasted on the ECN to accelerate the promotion of cricket in Italy.
Additionally, the partnership will place significant emphasis on fostering youth development within Italian cricket. Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent, ECN and FCI are committed to providing further funding and resources to support youth development programs across the country. This investment will create pathways for aspiring young cricketers, empowering them with the necessary training, coaching, and opportunities to excel in the sport. By investing in the next generation of cricketing stars, the partnership seeks to secure a strong and more sustainable future for cricket in Italy.
"We are proud and grateful to expand our partnership with the Federazione Cricket Italiana," said Daniel Weston, founder of the European Cricket Network. "After spending several great days in Zurich working together to discuss how we grow and develop the future of cricket in Italy faster, we are very appreciative of all the tireless work Fabio Marabini and Kelum Perera do. They work for cricket in Italy 24/7 and it is very inspiring. Their passion, focus and intentions of organising and growing the sport in their proud country is incredible. I think that most significantly to come from the meetings was the decision to create the new Steering Committee between the FCI and ECN, which I am convinced will accelerate the planning, promotion and execution of the partnership and to the benefit of cricket events in Italy."
Fabio Marabini, President of the Federazione Cricket Italiana, expressed pride about the partnership, stating, "The expanded partnership between ECN and FCI marks a significant next step forward for cricket in Italy. We are proud to collaborate with ECN to further strengthen our domestic and international cricket growth and calendar. Seeing the broadcasts of our cricketers on the ECN in domestic and international events helps make them better players and helps spread the awareness of Italian cricket faster. Watching the Italian Women’s national team hit a 6 off the last ball to beat the Netherlands on the stream and under lights for the first time was brilliant and watching the Men’s national team beat the England XI at the ECC sent Italian cricket viral on social media like never before. Promoting the game is a huge priority for us. Equally important is our joint commitment to youth development, as we aim to provide young cricketers with the necessary support, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. This partnership will help shape the future of cricket in Italy."
The expanded partnership between ECN and FCI represents a transformative phase for cricket in Italy, focusing on international exposure, talent development, and sustainable growth. By combining their efforts, the two organisations aim to create a vibrant and inclusive cricketing ecosystem that captivates players, fans, and stakeholders alike.
