Barnsley Woolley Miners Cricket Club (BWMCC) is delighted to confirm that, following recent communication from Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC), Shaw Lane has been identified as the preferred venue for the return of first-class cricket to South Yorkshire.
The proposal centres around the club’s 1st and 2nd XI ground at Shaw Lane and follows more than 12 months of collaborative planning and discussions between YCCC, BWMCC, and the site owners, Barnsley Rugby Union Football Club.
The working group involved in progressing the project has included representatives from Barnsley Rugby Union Club and Shaw Lane Sports Club, John Smith and David Plotts, alongside BWMCC representatives Richard Ledger, Mark Beardshall, Phil Chapman, Jason Booth, and Club President Mick Brunt.
As of Wednesday 13 May, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has formally appointed a consultant to lead the next phase of the project on its behalf, working closely with all parties involved to develop detailed plans for the venue and its future ambitions.
The immediate target is to host a Metro One Day Cup fixture at Shaw Lane in 2028. Achieving this milestone will require significant investment in both on-field and off-field facilities, with further engagement now planned with key stakeholders including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), local authorities, and YCCC.
The long-term vision is to establish a partnership extending well beyond the next 15 years, with the ambition of eventually hosting a first-class four-day County Championship fixture in South Yorkshire.
Over recent years, BWMCC has continued to strengthen its relationship with YCCC, regularly hosting Men’s and Women’s Academy fixtures, alongside previous Yorkshire Second XI matches — a programme that is expected to expand further in the years ahead.
This represents an exciting and significant opportunity for everyone connected with the club, the local community, and cricket across South Yorkshire. Further updates will be shared as the project continues to develop.