Hartpury University is celebrating the pivotal role played by its Sports Business Hub in Gloucestershire Cricket’s successful bid to host matches for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Bristol County ground.
The research conducted by former postgraduate student Faye Bamford, alongside staff members Dr. Alex Kay and Mike Green, provided critical insights that strengthened Gloucestershire Cricket’s submission and showcased the value of Hartpury’s expertise in sports business research.
The Hartpury Sports Business Hub’s research explored key themes such as the current landscape of women’s cricket in England and Wales, infrastructural requirements for hosting major events, and the long-term impact of hosting international tournaments on local communities. The comprehensive analysis highlighted Gloucestershire Cricket’s strengths, including its state-of-the-art media infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Mike Green, a Senior Lecturer in Sports Management at Hartpury University said: “Our research demonstrated how Gloucestershire Cricket could leverage its existing facilities and community connections to host a world-class event. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work contribute to such a significant milestone for women’s cricket in the Southwest.
Faye, a former MSc Sports Management student added: “It’s inspiring to see how research can directly impact the development of sport and create opportunities for local communities.”
The findings also emphasised the importance of hosting major events in venues with large population research, aligning with the ICC’s goals to increase visibility and participation in women’s cricket. Recommendations from the research included further investment in pitch maintenance, accessible seating, and catering options to enhance fan experience and ensure the venue’s readiness for high intensity matches.
Hartpury Sports Business Hub continues to demonstrate its importance as a centre for impactful research and collaboration. By bridging academia and industry, the Hub empowers students and staff to contribute to real-world projects that shape the future of sport.
The university is proud to support Gloucestershire Cricket and looks forward to seeing the Bristol County Ground play a key role in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, further cementing the Southwest’s position as a hub for elite women’s sport.
Research is a key part of staff and student life at Hartpury University, with the potential to collaborate on a range of impactful projects. Sport graduates enjoy high rates of employability (98% of sports undergraduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity - Graduate Outcomes 2024). Sports Science at Hartpury University also ranks 4th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2025.
