The England and Wales Cricket Board today announced a 26 per cent rise of nearly £100,000 in funding to the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Around one third of the increase will fund the appointment of a new PCA Education Officer whose role will be to advise and assist players in finding careers outside cricket.

The PCA intends to draw on the services of its business partners and the Government's ACE UK scheme to provide practical training courses for players seeking post-cricket employment.

ECB Chief Executive, Tim Lamb said: "This is a significant increase in the PCA's funding and reflects the key role the Association continues to play in the wider development of both cricket as a sport and cricketers as individuals.

"The appointment of an Education Officer is an important step forward and demonstrates both the ECB's and the PCA's commitment to do more to prepare the current generation of players for life after cricket."

PCA Chief Executive, David Graveney, said: "This is excellent news for the PCA and the increase in funding will ensure that we have the resources necessary to deliver a high-quality service to our members.

"We are also delighted that the concept of a full-time Education Officer has been fully endorsed by the ECB and the First Class Counties and our search for a suitable candidate for this role will begin immediately."

© England & Wales Cricket Board