Cheltenham Cricket Society enjoyed yet another memorable evening at the Victory Club, where Gloucestershire Cricket Club’s coach Mark Alleyne, chairman Peter Matthews, and T20 Vitality Blast-winning captain Jack Taylor took centre stage. Interviewed by our own Ian Randall, the panel delivered an insightful and engaging discussion, offering members a fascinating look into the club’s present and future plans.
With the T20 Vitality Blast trophy proudly on display, members were treated to first-hand accounts of Gloucestershire’s thrilling triumph, with Taylor sharing key moments from the campaign and Alleyne offering his expert perspective on the squad’s success. The panel also took a range of questions from an attentive audience, covering the club’s future plans.
As expected, questions relating to GCCC finances and plans especially post “The Hundred” allocations were prominent. At the moment GCCC is not wholly clear regarding the exact amount of revenue it will receive from The Hundred allocation, when it will arrive, and if there will be restrictions on how it can be used. It is however a great opportunity for GCCC moving forward and one that the club will take full advantage off.
In addition, the much-discussed relocation of GCCC is now unlikely to happen within the next five years, with focus shifting to improvements at the Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road to enhance facilities and thus increase the chances of hosting more International matches in the future.
It was really pleasing to hear that following the lobbying by GCCC Cheltenham would host two four-day Championship Games in 2025 a move the club sees as both financially beneficial and an opportunity to host big-name counties.
Current and future plans and challenges for GCCC aside, Mark Alleyne was very eloquent in rightly requesting that we do not lose site of the joy of participating and watching Cricket at all levels.
This was another classic evening for the Society, full of insight, entertainment, and optimism for the future of Gloucestershire cricket. A big thank you to Mark, Peter, Jack, and Ian for making the night such a success!
Sushil Sidhu/ Robin Barnes / Roy Taylor – March 2025