Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
The England Cricket Board (ECB) have given a green signal to start the domestic cricket season from the 1st of August.
The decision was taken after consulting the Professional Cricket Association and 18 first-class counties. Detailed fixtures will be announced in early July, but the domestic season will most likely be a truncated one, although the board has plans for white-ball as well as red-ball tournaments.
The ECB has permitted first-class players to begin training from July 1.
The CEO of the England Cricket Board, Tom Harrison said that it is a significant step that the domestic season will begin next month.
“It is a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for 1 August and one which will be welcomed by everyone connected with County Cricket. It follows extensive consultation between the 18 First-Class Counties, the Professionals Cricketers’ Association and ECB and has only been achievable thanks to the significant hard work that continues to occur as we prepare for a domestic season unlike any the game has faced before.” Harrison said.
“It must be stressed that the safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and Government guidance will continue to shape our planning and preparation. Planning for the return of the women’s domestic game remains ongoing, but our commitment to women’s domestic cricket is unwavering and we look forward to sharing further news shortly. Our strong preference is that the women’s new elite domestic structure starts this summer and we will work hard to ensure that happens. For this to be achieved, brand new infrastructure still needs to be rolled out, alongside imperatives we need in place when playing competitive cricket during a pandemic.” Harrison added indicating the public safety is of utmost priority to the board.
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The ECB last week permitted 25 women’s players to train individually at their nearby venues. Harrison said that they will aim that women’s cricket also restarts professionally as soon as possible.
“Our first choice remains to do everything we can to start this year and build on the fantastic momentum in the women’s game. In the event that proves impossible, we will explore other options for play to enable our women’s players to enjoy competitive domestic cricket in 2020. We will continue to work closely with both the men’s and women’s domestic game to ensure necessary safety measures are in place to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved,” Harrison added.
“The commitment to play women’s domestic cricket this summer is also very positive. We need to continue the momentum of the women’s game so to have an assurance this summer will not be completely lost to domestic players is another step in the right direction,” PCA chairman Daryll Mitchell said while talking about women’s cricket.
England’s domestic season was badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic. It was due to start on April 12 but was postponed multiple times.
If players are not comfortable returning to cricket, the ECB has a opt-in process.
“The health of our membership remains our number one priority and no player should be required to return to work if they do not feel comfortable due to any underlying health issues or other factors such as living with vulnerable people. We have pushed for an ‘opt in’ process with ECB and the counties so players can totally understand the protocols in place to mitigate risks and those who are not yet able to return feel comfortable in not opting in,” Mitchell added.
Written by Sarthak Karkhanis. Follow Sarthak on Twitter today.
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