More than 2,400 people have signed up to be considered as volunteers for the ICC Champions Trophy and Women’s cricket World Cup – both being hosted in England and Wales this year.

The final group will be whittled down to 1,500 and will be the largest-ever volunteer force for cricket the country has ever seen.

Around 500 volunteers helped out during the staging of the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, while 800 people chipped in during the 2013 hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Volunteers will be known as ‘crickteers’, and will be invited to interview sessions throughout February and March.

“The volunteers will be trues heroes of both tournaments and the ICC has huge gratitude for their commitment to the sport,” said Chris Tetley, ICC head of events.

“The numbers this year are hugely impressive and shows a great appetite for cricket in England and Wales.”

Steve Elworthy, director of ICC tournaments, added: “Every cricketeer will be vital to the success of the competitions in what will be the biggest summer of cricket ever staged in England and Wales.”