Revised junior formats to debut in Victoria

Bendigo District Cricket Association, Cricket Albury Wodonga and the Western Region Junior Cricket Association will together be the first associations in the state to commit to the new program which is designed to ensure every child can experience the game in a way that works best with their age and physical development.

One of the biggest changes will be the inclusion of appropriately-sized equipment for the children, with heavy bats and balls to no longer be a burden on young cricketers and limit both the playability and enjoyment of the game.

Reducing the number of players on-field, shorter pitch lengths and boundary sizes together with the option of playing T20 formats are among further changes to allow juniors to better develop their skills and become more involved in each game.

Cricket Victoria’s General Manager – Game and Market Development Rohan O’Neill said he was excited by the potential growth and reach these changes can ignite for junior cricket in Victoria.

“The new revised junior formats are a big step forward for our game and I’d like to applaud Cricket Albury Wodonga, Bendigo and the Western Region Associations for taking on this opportunity to change the way children interact with cricket at a grassroots level in Victoria,” said O’Neill.

“We need to ensure we offer cricket to children that is fun and exciting. Children also want to enjoy some success in the sports they participate in, so if they can’t hit the ball because the bat is too heavy or can’t bowl the ball to the stumps because the pitch is too long, we risk taking their potential enjoyment out of the experience,” O’Neill said.

“We are seeing more children involved in cricket as a result of the success of the KFC Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League. They see excitement, fun and action at the highest level and we want to replicate this experience when they play locally.”

“With these changes, junior cricketers in Cricket Albury Wodonga and the Bendigo and Western Region associations will not only experience the game in a more fun and accessible way, but will also hopefully continue with the game over the longer term and continue to play through the national pathway,” O’Neill added.

The modifications to junior formats are part of an ongoing project to revamp and align the Australian Cricket Pathway, introducing modern practices in skill development and coaching. The project aims to provide a clear and exciting pathway for all kids interested in taking up the sport.