Almost 4,500 recreational cricket matches involving Derbyshire clubs were played during the 2026 season, with data showing another positive year for both open-age and junior cricket across the county.
Across the two formats, more than 5,000 fixtures were scheduled during the summer, with 4,478 successfully played despite a wetter summer presenting challenges for clubs, ground staff and volunteers.
Open-age cricket continues to grow
Open-age cricket saw another strong season, with 3,069 fixtures scheduled and 2,734 played – meaning 89% of scheduled matches took place.
The number of open-age matches played increased by 5% compared with 2025 and was almost 14% higher than the average across the previous three seasons.
The Derbyshire County Cricket League (DCCL) saw particularly strong figures, with 2,008 of its 2,228 scheduled fixtures played – a completion rate of 90%. This represented a 6.5% increase in matches played compared with 2025 and a 14.5% increase against the average for the previous three seasons.
There were also encouraging signs around clubs' ability to fulfil fixtures. Across all open-age cricket involving Derbyshire clubs, 70 matches were conceded during 2026, compared with 109 in 2025 – a reduction of almost 36%.
The number of matches played with short sides also fell, from 112 in 2025 to 105 this season, and remained below the previous three-year average of 126.
Positive picture for junior cricket
Junior cricket also continued to provide a significant number of playing opportunities, with 1,744 of the 1,956 scheduled fixtures taking place – another completion rate of 89%. 81 out of 105 Derbyshire clubs entered competitive league cricket in 2026, remarkable evidence of the strength of the club game.
Although the number of junior matches played was 2.7% lower than in 2025, it remained almost 12% higher than the average across the previous three seasons.
Particularly encouraging was the reduction in conceded junior fixtures. Just 74 matches were conceded in 2026, compared with 121 in 2025 – a reduction of almost 39%. The figure was also considerably below the previous three-year average of 117.
Overcoming a challenging summer
The wetter conditions experienced during the summer inevitably had an impact on the number of matches that could be completed.
Across open-age cricket, 181 fixtures were cancelled, compared with 118 in 2025, while junior cricket saw 117 cancellations compared with 63 the previous year.
Despite those challenges, almost nine in every ten scheduled fixtures across both open-age and junior cricket were successfully played.
The reduction in conceded fixtures is particularly encouraging. Across open-age and junior cricket combined, 144 fixtures were conceded in 2026, compared with 230 in 2025 – a reduction of more than a third.
Overall, the figures demonstrate the continued strength of recreational cricket across Derbyshire. More than 5,000 fixtures were scheduled and almost 4,500 played, providing thousands of opportunities for children and adults to represent their clubs and enjoy the game throughout the summer.
These figures would not be possible without the huge contribution made by volunteers across the county. From preparing pitches and organising teams to scoring, officiating and administering fixtures, countless hours are given each season to ensure cricket can take place.
Derbyshire Cricket Foundation would like to thank our leagues, clubs, grounds teams, officials, coaches, captains and volunteers for their continued commitment to providing cricket opportunities across the county.
The 2026 figures provide an encouraging platform as we continue working alongside clubs and leagues to strengthen recreational cricket and provide more opportunities for people across Derbyshire to enjoy the game.