Your Route to Real News

Iconic cricket ground could be sold to secure cash-strapped club's survival

1374     0
Iconic cricket ground could be sold to secure cash-strapped club's survival
Iconic cricket ground could be sold to secure cash-strapped club's survival

YORKSHIRE are reportedly considering selling Headingley Cricket Ground in an attempt to guarantee the club's survival.

The county cricket club bought the ground in 2005 from Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Company for a fee believed to be £12million.

Yorkshire are reportedly considering selling Headingley qhidqxiqqqiqteprw
Yorkshire are reportedly considering selling HeadingleyCredit: Getty
It is the ground that saw Ben Stokes' heroics in 2019
It is the ground that saw Ben Stokes' heroics in 2019Credit: Getty
Chris Woakes (R) and Mark Wood (L) combined to beat Australia earlier this summer in the Ashes
Chris Woakes (R) and Mark Wood (L) combined to beat Australia earlier this summer in the AshesCredit: Getty

The Daily Mail have now reported that the club are looking for £23m to sell the ground.

The touted figure would represent a decent return for the club that has come under financial pressure.

Yorkshire has been dealing with financial issues since the loss of sponsors and costs from the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal of around £3.5m.

Amanda Owen insists there's 'no stress' as she opens up about 'separation'Amanda Owen insists there's 'no stress' as she opens up about 'separation'

The report claims that Yorkshire are looking for £20m in new investment but have had no luck despite interest from former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, a Saudi prince and some IPL franchises.

It is also suggested that Yorkshire are considering selling the ground and leasing it back in a similar model that has been utilised by football clubs.

It is also thought that there have been several bids "rejected" to buy the club outright.

This is because members still want control of the club.

A sale of the ground would provide the necessary funds to pay a £15.9m bill that is owed to the family of former chairman Colin Graves.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

The remainder of the money left over from the sale could also pay running costs for several years.

Headingley has played host to some special cricketing moments in recent years.

It was the ground where Ben Stokes performed his heroics during the Ashes series in 2019.

And again earlier this year, it was the ground that Mark Wood and Chris Woakes steered England to victory over the Aussies in the Ashes.

We live on one of the UK's 'cheapest' street - houses cost less than £50kWe live on one of the UK's 'cheapest' street - houses cost less than £50k
The ground has been valued at £23million by a global real estate company
The ground has been valued at £23million by a global real estate companyCredit: Getty

The money made from the Ashes Test earlier this summer was enough to get Yorkshire through the season.

Yorkshire chief executive Stephen Vaughan told the Daily Mail: "We cannot comment on commercially sensitive information.

"We are making strong progress on securing the long-term future of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and look forward to announcing positive developments shortly."

Henry Tomlinson

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus