London: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Friday that they have been awarded a 37.8-million-pound (53.3-million-dollar) grant by Sport England.

The funding plan, will run from 2009 to 2013, and see English cricket's governing body invest in projects to increase participation at recreational level, including more opportunities for women, girls and disabled players.

"This agreement is fantastic news for cricket and will enable us to continue our work to increase opportunities for people to take part in our sport," said ECB chief executive David Collier.

"The ECB has been awarded the largest grant of any national governing body which demonstrates the confidence that Sport England has in our ability to deliver grassroots programmes."