YORKSHIRE CCC’s first team are set to play in Barnsley for the first time in nearly half a century from 2028 after Shaw Lane was selected as the ‘preferred venue’ in South Yorkshire.
Barnsley Woolley Miners CC, along with Barnsley Rugby Union Club who own Shaw Lane, have been involved in negotiations with Yorkshire for more than a year.
It is understood that the Headingley club are keen to host games in South Yorkshire, with their other ‘out grounds’ being at Scarborough and York, and Shaw Lane was chosen ahead of venues in Sheffield and Doncaster.
The plan is now for Barnsley to host one of Yorkshire’s One Day Cup games in 2028 which would be the first time the white rose county’s first team has played there since four games in the late 1970s.
It is hoped that Shaw Lane will host its first ever four-day County Championship fixture in the longer-term future.
There will need to be ‘significant investment’ in the facilities, mainly the changing rooms which will have to be extended or rebuilt.
It is a boost for Barnsley Woolley following their relegation last season out of the top tier of Yorkshire cricket for the first time in their history.
They have a reputation of producing high-profile England and Yorkshire players such as Geoffrey Boycott, Darren Gough and Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
Shaw Lane has regularly hosted Yorkshire 2nd XI and age group matches over the years.
A Yorkshire CCC spokesperson said: “Yorkshire County Cricket Club are delighted to be working with Barnsley Woolley Miners Cricket Club to bring professional cricket back to Shaw Lane.
“Following a thorough review of the available options across South Yorkshire, it became clear that there is a shared ambition to develop a long-term plan and build upon the already strong relationship between the two clubs.
“The history of Yorkshire players produced by Barnsley Woolley Miners Cricket Club, and the importance of the club within the local community, is evident for all to see.”
The working group for the project included representatives from Barnsley RUFC and Shaw Lane Sports Club, John Smith and David Plotts, alongside cricket club representatives Richard Ledger, Mark Beardshall, Phil Chapman, Jason Booth and president Mick Brunt.
Smith, committee chairman at Shaw Lane Sports Club, said: “I’ve been involved with the club for 25 years and it’s been a dream of mine to see Yorkshire play there again.
“Hopefully it will come true in 2028.
“Shaw Lane is a great community asset with all sorts of sports and events there. But to have professional cricket there would be the icing on the cake.”
A statement from Barnsley Woolley Miners read: “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 Yorkshire, regularly hosting men’s and women’s academy fixtures, alongside previous Yorkshire 2nd 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.”
