Can a junior play in adult (open age) cricket or play up an age group?

Under the ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Regulations (December 2025 update):

Open age cricket

• Juniors are not eligible until they are 12.
• An 11-year-old can play only in exceptional circumstances, if they have started school Year 7, are selected for a County Age Group squad or an Early Engagement Programme, have written approval from their County Talent Pathway Lead, and have written parental consent.
• Every junior playing open age cricket needs written parental consent, and the captain must tell the umpire about any juniors in the team.

Playing up or down an age group is allowed only if the county board or league permits it.

Before playing a junior up or in open age cricket, the club must consider whether:

• it is a positive step in their development, not a way to make up numbers;
• they have the skill, physical capability, confidence and emotional maturity to play safely;
• they have trained with, or know, the team;
• the club can follow Safe Hands, for example so the junior does not change or shower alongside adults, with thought given to social media groups and transport;
• appropriately DBS-checked adults will supervise them.

A junior's fast bowling limits, fielding distances and helmet rules follow their age, even in an adult match.