No Cricket In England Till May 28:
Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket chiefs declared Friday, no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales before May 28. After consultations with the counties and the Professional Cricketers ‘ Association (PCA), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) accepted a seven-week extension to the start of the 2020 season. The County Championship, which involves first-class matches over four days, was scheduled to start on April 12.
The ECB said it had begun modeling a number of options in June, July or August to start the season.
In June, the immediate emphasis is on cricket options like the three-Test series against West Indies, the Twenty20 Blast, and the England Women’s schedule to India.
The West Indies Test series is due to begin June 4 at the Oval.
Remarks Of Cricket Board In England:
The ECB said it would be debating beginning the season behind closed doors and suggesting, if possible, reduced competition models.
“With the details at our fingertips at the moment, it was inevitable to postpone the start of the professional cricket season until May 28,” said Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB.
“This also gives us time to keep up with a fast-moving situation and to prepare for how a revised season could look. Importantly, we can also remain as versatile and adaptable as possible, despite the obvious constraints that we face.
“Safeguarding the future of the game will be a primary concern when we draw up a revised schedule with an emphasis on the most relevant financial types of the game for counties around international and domestic cricket.”
Tony Irish, Chief Executive of PCA, said: “These are extraordinary times that demand that the right decisions be taken in cricket for all, including everybody involved and employed.
“The PCA supports this decision to postpone the start of the season based on expert health and wellness advice and taking into account the stance of the government.”
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