Pink Balls are currently only used in Day/Night Test Matches. Credit & Copyright: Getty Images/Daniel Kalisz
Improving the quality of the white ball used in limited overs cricket is also mentioned in the MCC document, while the need to make cricket equipment more accessible, making the game more accessible at all levels , is determined to be critical.
MCC was compared to the R&A of Golf, which began R&D in 1998 and now has an R&D team of more than 40 people.
Although nothing has been agreed yet, the concept will be discussed at the MCC World Cricket committee meeting starting on June 26th. at the October committee meeting of the World Cricket Committee, and was approved by the Main Committee shortly thereafter.
The paper proposes a number of possible ways in which the role of the MCC could be developed, including funding for additional academic research, research competitions and the annual MCC Cricket Leaders' Conference. It also offers closer partnerships with manufacturers, including a “Dragon's Lair”-style process in which companies apply for funding for specific projects while maintaining MCC's independence. The money received from successful investments can then be reinvested in other projects.
The document designates this year as “year zero” when the MCC will establish a research and development subcommittee and begin working on partnerships with academic institutions around the world. Then it is hoped that the first results of the MCC research will be visible as early as 2024, with the MCC cricket conference starting in 2026. It is expected that by 2028 the R&D department will be autonomous, generating a steady income.
“MCC is involved in key areas regarding the development and evolution of cricket as a global game,” Jamie Cox, MCC Director of Cricket, told Telegraph Sport. “He has led various areas of the game such as R&D and will always strive to be at the forefront of critical discussions within his cricket committee.
“Research and Development is not a new area of interest for MCC and work, what he had done earlier in the area of slow play is just one example of this far-sighted approach. More research and development is needed in the game and it is important to discuss how we will collectively solve this problem.
“The World Cricket Committee, which kicks off June 26 at Lord's, will be another important opportunity to discuss key issues of world cricket, and research and development will be on the agenda along with other important issues facing the game at the moment.
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