Elly Yates-Roberts |
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has partnered with Microsoft in what the ECB says could “redefine sport-technology relationships across the world”. The collaboration will explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics can inform the performance of England’s national teams, and unlock new opportunities at all levels of the sport.
The ECB says that the new relationship will accelerate its ‘Inspiring Generations’ initiative to grow cricket, connect communities and improve lives. Through it, the ECB and Microsoft will provide digital skills training to local cricket communities in the coming years, which will contribute to Microsoft’s ‘Get On’ campaign, which is designed to help 1.5 million people build careers in technology by 2024.
“This partnership has the potential to transform every level of our game,” said Tom Harrison, CEO of the ECB. “The ability to drive innovation across high performance cricket will support the continued excellence of our elite teams, and the opportunities we will provide together across the whole recreational cricketing community will improve the life chances of many young people and adults.
“We could not have a better partner than Microsoft as we look to put technology at the heart of our business, develop the culture of the game, and bring our purpose to life.”