Gloucestershire are exploring opportunities to relocate from their current home ground in Bristol to a new site in the south of the county.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the club said that “the strain on infrastructure and facilities” at their Nevil Road stadium would become “increasingly challenging.”

The preferred site is close to the M4.

The club hope a new home will lead to them hosting matches in major ICC events and help them become part of white-ball franchise tournaments like The Hundred.

“This is a significant turning point for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we look to secure the club’s long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world,” Gloucestershire cricket chair David Jones said.

“As well as delivering for our members the modern and low carbon facilities they deserve in order to showcase an ever-wider range of world class events here in the South West, we are keen to continue our active role in the community to widen participation and inspire the next generation of sports women and men.”

The ground on Nevil Road has been home to Gloucestershire since 1889, and has hosted both men’s and women’s one-day internationals.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould added: “We are clear on the importance of Bristol, Gloucestershire and the South-West to the game and recognise that continued investment at all levels is vital for the ongoing growth of cricket across the region.

“It’s fantastic to see Gloucestershire displaying the ambition to provide cricket fans in the West Country with a state-of-the-art sports and leisure arena.”