Victoria trials integration of men's and women's game

Further integration, below the national level, seems likely in Australia after Cricket Victoria announced today that it was starting a two-year trial integration with the Victorian Women's Cricket Association.

Earlier this week, Cricket Australia announced the integration of the national women's body of Australian cricket into its structure.

Cricket Victoria chief executive officer Ken Jacobs said the announcement was both historic and exciting. "It heralds a new and exciting era for cricket within Victoria. The decision recognises the growth of women's cricket across the state and ensures that we are all working together for the betterment of the game."

The move comes after a sub-committee was set-up in May last year to invesitage would benefit Victorian Cricket.

Under the integration, Cricket Victoria now becomes the sole state sporting organisation for cricket in Victoria and will assume responsibility for women's cricket in the areas of elite programs, game development, marketing and business operations. The VWCA will continue to administer the traditional club cricket competition for women and girls.

With over 20,000 Victorian women and girls now playing some form of organised cricket, the move to integrate was both timely and necessary Jacobs said. "The market for women's cricket is now significant and continually growing. We believe the integration will generate more efficient operating procedures and avoid much duplication.

"The integration is designed to promote and administer the game of cricket in a manner reflecting the ongoing changes in today's society."