New cricket practice nets have been unveiled at Sparkhill park.

The area has four practice spaces for use by residents, schools and clubs.                                                                                                

The site of the former cricket cage will be transformed into a nature area with flowering trees and wildflowers which will contribute to the 10% biodiversity net gain for the project.

The project was funded through the England and Wales Cricket Trust’s Strategic Inclusive Facilities Fund (SIFF) and Birmingham City Council’s Shared Prosperity Fund at a total cost of £130,987.

Cllr Mariam Khan, cabinet member for health and social care, added: “The new cricket nets in Sparkhill Park are a fantastic example of what strong partnership working and targeted investment can achieve. Cricket is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages in this community, and by securing resources for projects like this, we’re promoting grassroots sport, encouraging physical activity and creating opportunities for local people.”

Fideles Navas, community director at Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, said: "We know that with the popularity of cricket, these nets are going to be really well used and we can't wait to host groups, schools and clubs here. For example, we're excited to be setting up a weekly nets session for young people as this facility will a brilliant base to develop skills and drills."

IG, the global investing and trading platform and Official Investment Platform of the England Cricket team, provided the grassroots cricket net facility in to help grow the game of cricket across England and Wales.

Their Net Gains initiative outlines the brand’s commitment to invest in new public cricket net facilities across the country, giving local communities access to invaluable practice facilities which are integral to their development.

Elise Ash, Director of Brands and Communications, IG, said: “Net Gains is a fantastic initiative we have been working on with the ECB for the last few years. It’s brilliant to see all the planning and hard work finally come to life with these new net facilities. At IG, we’re really passionate about the next generation of cricketing talent so we want to support the growth of young players and grassroots cricket across the country. We can’t wait to see even more net facilities open this year.”

Dan Musson, Head of Facilities Planning at the ECB said: “We are delighted to see the new facility open at The Sparkhill Park Nets in Birmingham, addressing the huge demand for cricket in these areas. Local authorities are under increasing financial pressure on a number of fronts, making collaborations and partnerships vital for developing sports facilities.

“Working with an engaged commercial partner in IG, progressive local authorities, and community focussed County Cricket Clubs has enabled us to develop an elite-quality practice facility that will be accessible to people locally.

“The new facilities will benefit a range of organisations ensuring the next generation of players has the opportunity to develop through cricket.”

The cricket facilities will be open for bookings from March 2026.