Headingley gets huge cash boost

The future of international cricket at Headingley looks brighter after Yorkshire agreed a new financial package to fund a necessary stand refurbishment.

Test fixtures at Yorkshire’s famous headquarters from 2020 onwards were in serious doubt after it emerged last week that Leeds City Council had withdrawn a £4million grant to help fund the redevelopment at the Football Ground End.

That work was required in order to achieve minimum capacity requirements stipulated by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

But Yorkshire confirmed in a club statement that a favourable new deal has been agreed.

Club chief executive Mark Arthur welcomed the financial arrangement, supported by the council and under which work should now begin on the stand at the end of this summer.

“We would like to thank Councillor Judith Blake and Leeds City Council for their support in reaching this point,” he said.

“There is still a long way to go - however, it is a significant step in securing the future of international cricket at Headingley.

“Yorkshire County Cricket Club will continue to work hard to ensure that all remaining funds are in place to ensure that the redevelopment is completed in time for the Cricket World Cup in 2019.”

Reports indicate a £35m deal has been struck with a London-based investment company.