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End of St Helen’s cricket would be ‘heartbreaking’ – Robert Croft – BBC Sport

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End of St Helen’s cricket would be ‘heartbreaking’ – Robert Croft – BBC Sport

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Image caption, St Helen’s has played host to some of the key moments in Glamorgan’s history, but they have not played there for five years

Former Glamorgan player and head coach Robert Croft says the end of cricket at Swansea’s St Helen’s would be “heartbreaking” for the sport.

The Ospreys have announced that the historic ground will be their new home from the start of the 2025-26 season.

The rugby region’s move could signal the end of cricket’s 150-year association with St Helen’s.

In August 2016, a plaque was unveiled at the ground to celebrate its rich cricketing history but, less than a decade later, that connection could now be coming to an end.

“I sincerely wish Ospreys the best for their future development,” former England player Croft wrote on social media.

“But if this is at the expense of cricket at Wales’ most iconic and historic cricket ground then it’s disappointing, heartbreaking and sad. I hope I’m wrong.”

Glamorgan are not the only club affected, with Swansea Cricket Club set to relocate as a result of the Ospreys’ move.

Glamorgan chief executive Dan Cherry said: “It is sad to hear that cricket will no longer be played there.

“We hope that Swansea Cricket Club can be relocated successfully to continue and protect the strong heritage of cricket in the area.

“With its rich sporting history, it will be great to see top-level sport played regularly at St Helen’s again and we wish the Ospreys well in their new home.”

Glamorgan’s first County Championship match at St Helen’s took place in May 1921, following their elevation into first-class cricket.

Glamorgan famously claimed back-to-back victories over Australia at St Helen’s in 1964 and 1968, though the ground may be best known for being the venue where Nottinghamshire’s Sir Garfield Sobers became the first batter to hit six sixes in an over in a first-class match.

However, Glamorgan have not played at St Helen’s since 2019.

Cherry said Glamorgan club will explore potential alternative venues for their games in the future.

“The club and our members have been disappointed that Glamorgan are no longer able to play at St Helen’s, especially given our tradition and history at the ground and the long-standing support of the St Helen’s Balconiers,” said Cherry.

“However, the board of Glamorgan County Cricket Club remains very committed to exploring the potential of a centre of excellence in west Wales so that we are able to support the growth and development of cricket there, from player development pathways to the professional game for both women and men.”

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