Shedding the culture of dependency – Dave Brooks

Well, it is not free. As clubs, we have to play our part in delivering that value; the internationals coming out of our system, the TV and sponsorship money for domestic cricket and the local promotion of the sport at grass roots level all create the long term future. So we will keep getting that money if we keep delivering. And, heavens above, should the 25% go, it would be tough and it would be painful, but Sussex CCC would be able to survive, unlike those counties where the ECB grant is in excess of 50% of their income.

Sadly, this is not the perceived wisdom of all counties. Some feel they are there solely to develop England cricketers. Some wish to invest in facilities for non-cricket reasons, and then when the bank puts a squeeze on because the returns are not coming in (i.e they failed to deliver the business plan), expect the ECB to bail them out. And most, in 2012, wanted extra cash to cover the losses caused by a rather damp May and June. Why? I don’t see anyone bailing out the ice cream man, the sunglass manufacturer, and the deckchair hirers when their sales are down – they have to find other ways to recover those losses, so why should this sport be any different?

Domestic cricket is actually in pretty good shape, and it is encouraging to see the work being led by Gordon Hollins and his team at the ECB to encourage counties to work so much harder commercially – especially in getting new spectators. As a sport, I would say that we are starting to move beyond “semi-pro” and if we grasp the nettle and really, really work it and accept we are businesses who run professional sports clubs, we can become much more effective at driving our own independent incomes. Rugby Union did it in the mid 90’s, now is the time for cricket to follow that journey.

If you want to spend it, go and earn it – there is no such thing as a free lunch (as it was once said!)

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Dave Brooks is the Chief Executive of Sussex County Cricket Club. He joined the club at the start of 2009, and led the club to success in the Pro40 and Twenty20 Cup in his first season, while they finished in fourth position in this year’s Division One Championship. Brooks will be stepping down from his role at the end of this year.

Dave Brooks also holds Non-Executive Directorships at Fabulous Bakin Boys Ltd – since 2009 – and at The Feel Good Drinks Company – since 2008. 

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