European Cricket Network is Proliferating

When inquiring about the success of the European Cricket Network (ECN), its founder was asked, Dan Weston, if it was true that their marquee event in Malaga this year had drawn in five million viewers. His reply was unexpected: "Oh, it was much more than that—possibly around 75 million."

The ECN has become a global phenomenon. In 2023 alone, it organised events on 330 days, hosting 1,700 amateur matches across 16 countries. These matches are broadcast on every continent via platforms like Fox Sports, FanCode, and Willow TV. Astonishingly, more than half of the cricket content on global television is credited to ECN. Weston’s goal is clear yet ambitious: to establish professional cricket in continental Europe.

Weston envisions himself as part of a pioneering group that is willing to invest now to see French, Italian, Spanish, and German cricketers become professionals in the next 10 to 20 years. "It's a long-term, very long-term project," he remarked.

The ECN made its first appearance in England in May this year, and I had the chance to play.

The Birth of ECN and Its Vision

Founded in 2019, the roots of the ECN trace back a few years earlier when Weston, an Australian who moved to Germany at 23, played for the German national team. After a victory against Sweden, a player’s brother filmed the team walking off the field, sharing it live on Facebook. Weston, noticing the video’s few thousand views, wondered who was interested in watching German cricket.

This experience inspired Weston to record the next match, leading to the creation of German Cricket TV, a Facebook page showcasing clips from club and national team cricket. The page quickly gained traction, especially among expats eager to reconnect with their homeland's sport. Within 18 months, Germany’s 60 cricket clubs expanded from 90 teams to 370.

The success of German Cricket TV opened new doors. Weston was invited to assist in broadcasting an ice cricket event in St. Moritz, where he met Roger Feiner, a former FIFA broadcasting executive. Recognising the potential for cricket in Europe, Feiner joined forces with Weston and brought in two friends who had co-founded the UEFA Champions League. Together, they launched the ECN, which now operates under the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ECN has contributed over €2 million in hosting fees to European cricket federations, including the ECB for its recent tournament in England. When nations receive non-ICC funding, they rise in the ICC rankings, making them eligible for even more support. As Weston put it, "All boats should rise."

The English Debut and T10 Excitement

England wasn’t originally in the ECN’s plans. However, when Corfu withdrew as a venue due to scheduling conflicts, Wimbledon CC stepped in. The tournament, held at Raynes Park Sports Ground, saw teams from south-west London and Tunbridge Wells CC play the first-ever European Cricket League match in England on a chilly May morning.

The T10 format, with matches lasting about an hour and a half, kept the excitement high, with five games played each day. Although my team, Spencer, lost the matches I participated in, they eventually finished as runners-up.

Participating in the ECN was an exhilarating experience. Weston emphasised the importance of broadcasting and social media in inspiring a new generation of cricketers. The event’s novelty, coupled with the presence of spectators and professional setup, added to the excitement.

However, with the tournament being broadcast globally and heavily bet on, anti-corruption measures were stringent. Players were required to surrender their phones and electronic devices upon arrival, and warnings about potential approaches from match-fixers were given. Despite these challenges, the thrill of playing in a televised match was undeniable.

The Dark Side of Growth: Corruption and Integrity

Gambling and match-fixing have become an unfortunate reality in the world of European cricket. The ECN’s anti-corruption head highlighted the challenges posed by both regulated and unregulated betting markets, as well as fantasy cricket. Spotters, who relay real-time match information to bookmakers, are a common issue, with three being removed from Raynes Park on the first day.

Despite these challenges, the ECN is committed to integrity. Weston admitted that dealing with betting markets was an unexpected aspect of growing cricket in Europe, but the organisation has implemented strict measures to protect the game.

The Future of European Cricket

Despite the challenges, the ECN remains a force for good. While its relationship with gambling and fantasy sports may raise concerns, the ECN is at the forefront of a movement that could soon impact recreational cricket worldwide. As streaming becomes more common in club cricket, the potential for corruption increases, making the ECN’s efforts to educate players even more critical.

Ultimately, the ECN is driving the growth of cricket in a way that no other organisation has, and that is a positive development. Although the idea of professional cricket in France within 20 years may seem far-fetched, it is a goal worth pursuing. Migration and social media are powerful tools, and the ECN is harnessing both to promote cricket across Europe.

Reflecting on his journey, Weston expressed his passion for bringing cricket to Europe: "This is really a passion project that has gotten out of hand. Once I realised I would be living in Germany long term, I didn’t want to live in a region where there’s no cricket. Thanks to meeting great, passionate, and committed people, we have been able to start promoting the game at scale in the past five years."

The European Cricket Network is not without its challenges, but its impact on the sport is undeniable. As cricket continues to grow in Europe, the ECN’s legacy will be one of passion, perseverance, and progress. And if Corfu can’t host an event next year, I’ll be ready to return to Raynes Park for another round of European cricket.