ECB announce Microsoft partnership with focus on England, grassroots and talent nurturing

English cricket's governing body hopes the link-up can help "unearth the next generation of elite cricketers"

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The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced a "ground-breaking" link-up with Microsoft.

As part of the partnership, the technology company will seek to explore how artificial intelligence, real-time data and analytics can improve the performance of England's national teams.

Attention will specifically focus on ball-tracking technology in an effort to "unearth the next generation of elite cricketers".

Additionally, the ECB and Microsoft will provide digital skills training to grassroots cricket communities, which makes up part of Microsoft's 'Get On' campaign that attempts to help people build careers in the technology industry.

"This partnership has the potential to transform every level of our game," said ECB chief-executive Tom Harrison.

"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."

Microsoft UK chief-executive Clare Barclay added: "A key aspect of our work together is to create long-lasting economic change in local communities by helping people acquire digital skills so vital to their futures. 

"This partnership is a great example of how we at Microsoft can fulfil our mission of empowering people and organisations around the world to achieve more."

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