Worcestershire County Cricket Club has today released its 2024 Annual Report, reflecting on a year of significant achievement both on and off the field, alongside the challenges that continue to shape the club’s future.
Despite the adversity of record flooding at Visit Worcestershire New Road, the club secured its best County Championship finish in 25 years, retaining its place in County Championship Division One. Off the pitch, financial stability has been strengthened, key governance reforms have been introduced, and the club has expanded its community and inclusion initiatives.
On-Field Success and a Historic Championship Finish
The 2024 season saw Worcestershire’s highest County Championship finish since the two-division structure was introduced in 2000, with the men’s team securing a sixth-place finish in Division One. Led by Head Coach Alan Richardson, the squad’s resilience shone through, particularly in an inspiring win at Durham and a memorable victory over Essex.
Kashif Ali emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer in red-ball cricket, stepping into the pivotal number three role, while Tom Taylor’s exceptional 6-27 performance against Warwickshire was one of the season’s standout bowling displays.
In the Metro Bank One Day Cup, Worcestershire defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals, despite an injury-hit campaign. The Women’s Rapids also made history, with standout performances from Bryony Gillgrass, Chloe Hill, and Clare Boycott.
A Year of Adversity and Remembrance
The season was overshadowed by the tragic loss of Josh Baker, a young star whose talent and presence will be forever missed at Worcestershire. The club also paid tribute to Duncan Fearnley, a former Chair, and Mike Beddow, a long-serving journalist and friend of the club.
Flooding continued to pose a challenge at Visit Worcestershire New Road, forcing early-season matches to be relocated to Kidderminster. However, the club’s ground staff were widely praised for their efforts in ensuring cricket returned to Visit Worcestershire New Road as swiftly as possible.
Strengthened Financial Stability and Future Planning
Financially, Worcestershire reported a small profit for 2024, despite ongoing flood-related costs. The club’s sponsorship and advertising revenue reached an all-time high of £689,872, reflecting the growing strength of commercial partnerships.
The forthcoming sale of The Hundred franchises is set to provide Worcestershire with a transformative financial boost, ensuring long-term security and investment in both the club’s cricketing ambitions and infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With financial stability on the horizon, Worcestershire is preparing for an exciting 2025 season, including the club’s first-ever men’s and women’s Rapids T20 double-header.
A new premium hospitality experience will be launched, and the club will continue its expansion into health and wellbeing initiatives, community outreach, and partnership activations.
Ashley Giles, Chief Executive Officer of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: “2024 was a year that tested every part of our club, but it also highlighted our incredible resilience and ambition.
“On the field, we secured our best County Championship finish in 25 years, proving that we can compete at the highest level. Off the field, we continued to strengthen our financial position, enhance our facilities, and expand our community impact, all while navigating the challenges of record flooding and the heartbreaking loss of Josh Baker.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we do so with renewed optimism. The sale of The Hundred franchises presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure our long-term future, and we are committed to ensuring that Worcestershire remains a thriving, competitive, and inclusive club for years to come.
“We are excited to build on the foundations we have laid and create even more special moments for our members, supporters, and the wider Worcestershire community.”
Annual General Meeting Details
The club’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 31 March, at 7:00pm, in the Graeme Hick Pavilion at Visit Worcestershire New Road. Members will have the opportunity to discuss the Annual Report and hear from key club officials, including Chair Dominic Riley and CEO Ashley Giles.
The AGM will be followed by an update from CEO Ashley Giles on the sustainability of the Club’s Visit Worcestershire New Road ground.
The full 2024 Annual Report is now available to view online by clicking here.
