Knight-Stokes Cup entries needed by end of October
Entries for The Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup – the exciting new competition for state schools with the chance of playing a final at Lord’s – need to be in by the end of October.
The new hardball competition, which was announced earlier this Summer, is for state secondary schools across the UK at Under 15s level for both boys and girls.
Cricket Shropshire’s Regional Development Programme Manager Darrell Corfield said: “There has been a lot of interest in this new competition – which is great to see.
“Entries will close on October 31, so schools in Shropshire which want to be a part of this new initiative need to get their entries sorted. If they need any help they can get in touch with us.”
Named after two state educated cricketing greats (Heather Knight and Ben Stokes) and backed by former England Captain, Michael Vaughan and The Black Heart Foundation, this ground-breaking initiative is designed to provide more opportunities for state-educated young cricketers to showcase their talent.
Cricket Shropshire will be running the early rounds of the competition in the county, with the winners progressing to the national rounds with the finals due to be played at Lord’s in September 2026.
Darrell added: “This is the first time there has been a national state school hard ball competition.
“The existing competitions are dominated by the independent schools. This competition will have its own identity and hopefully will encourage more state schools to get involved.
“It can only be positive – developing links between schools and clubs and hopefully encourage more girls and boys to play cricket. The more opportunities there are for them to play cricket the better.
Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “We would be more than happy to talk to any schools interested about how we can help and support them to get ready for this exciting competition.”
Schools can now register their interest in taking part in the competition via the form HERE.
If anyone has any questions, they can contact Darrell via darrell.corfield@cricketshropshire.co.uk