The Cloud County Ground will host two of Middlesex’s home Vitality Blast matches in 2024.
Lord’s will remain Middlesex’s main ground, hosting four of their seven home South Group matches, leaving three to be played at other venues.
In recent seasons, both Radlett Cricket Club and Merchant Taylors’ School have been Middlesex’s preferred home out-grounds, however in 2024 the decision has been taken to play two matches at Chelmsford.
Fixture informations will be revealed in line with the full fixture announcement at 10am on Thursday.
Ticket information for the two Chelmsford fixtures will be announced in due course.
Speaking of today’s announcement, Essex Chief Executive Officer, John Stephenson, commented:
“This is a fast-moving initiative, but we believe it will be of mutual benefit to both counties as it allows the Club to grow our revenue at a challenging time and make best use of our primary asset, the ground.”
“It was excellent to hear that the Middlesex squad and staff are looking forward to playing at Chelmsford, and we are excited to welcome them here for two Vitality Blast fixtures next year.”
Middlesex Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Cornish, added:
“We have gone to lengths to be transparent and open with our members when discussing the financial position the Club is in, and moving forwards we need to continue to take every step we can to ensure we remain rigorous in our control of the Club’s costs.
“The cost of setting up the infrastructure of an out-ground venue is a significant liability the Club has historically had to factor into our financial model every year – increasingly so in recent seasons with the enhancements we have made to the Member experience at out-ground matches.
“As we continue to scrutinise every cost the Club incurs, out-ground set-up costs stand out as an area which we could make a significant positive impact on.
“We have, as a result, been in discussion with our friends at Essex, who have been very receptive to the idea of hosting us at The Cloud County Ground for two of our Blast matches this year.
“For Middlesex, this represents an opportunity for us to make a significant financial uplift to the Club, which is something that we simply cannot ignore, and with Chelmsford just over 20 minutes away on the train out of Stratford station, we felt it provided a sensible solution.
“Equally importantly, we have consulted with the professional playing group on this decision, who were unanimous in their support, given their desire to play more cricket at first-class venues, with first-class facilities available to them.
“All at Middlesex, the players and the staff, along with all at Essex, are excited about what this opportunity represents and we are looking forward to Middlesex competing at The Cloud County Ground this summer.
“Our thanks go to our Members and our supporters for their understanding of this venue choice and hope you appreciate the sound financial reasons for the decision. Whilst this may seem like a radical decision, it is one that we need to make to ensure that Middlesex gets back on a more stable financial footing.”
