Please see the attached announcement from the ECB. Whilst this is good news, please don’t think that everything will be back to normal straight away. We won’t be able to just shake out the whites and turn-up next Saturday and start playing fixtures. There will be an awful lot of logistics to be worked-out and we await more detailed instructions from the ECB, the Herts League, the County Board and the Village Cup organisers how exactly Clubs will begin to host opponents as well as deciding the type of match format, (e.g., come ready changed, how to provide teas / refreshments, the use / handling of cricket balls, 50/50 overs or other, panel umpires – many of whom are over the age of 60 and still on the risk list). In a survey earlier in the spring, some clubs had indicated that they would not even fulfil matches this year – we don’t know whether they have changed their stance since, so I repeat that the Fixture List for the remainder of the 2020 season has still to be confirmed. There is much to be discussed and decided.

When I have more definite news I shall let you know.

Please continue to stay safe and keep well.

PGB
Peter G. Baker,
Honorary Secretary,
Reed Cricket Club.
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Dear all,

We are delighted that the UK Government has given the green light for recreational cricket in England* to return from Saturday July 11.

The latest update from the UK Government signals progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB’s roadmap to return for the recreational game, meaning competitive cricket matches in England with adjustments to respect hygiene and social distancing would be permitted.

ECB has maintained a constant dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) throughout this process and the UK Government have stated that COVID-secure guidance will be published in the coming days.

Guidelines are already prepared for the return of recreational cricket and following the Prime Minister’s comments, will now be finalised and published early next week.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “It will come as great news to our nation of recreational cricketers that the UK Government has given the green light for the game to return from next weekend. We are grateful for the support of Government to achieve this, in particular Oliver Dowden, Nigel Huddleston and those across DCMS who have helped the return of international, professional and now recreational cricket.

“We have had a responsibility throughout this period of time to work with the UK Government and to plan alongside the cricket network to try and mitigate COVID-19’s impact on the 2020 season. We have maintained a constant dialogue with UK Government and they’ve been supportive of our desire to see recreational cricket return when it is safe. They now agree that with appropriate measures in place to mitigate the risk, it is safe.

“We know how difficult it has been for everyone to go without cricket this summer, and we thank you for your patience. As the nation’s summer sport we believe we have a role to play in getting people active across the country, especially young people, and it is heartening to know that club cricket – albeit with social distancing in place and some other adaptations – will soon be back across England.”

*The UK Government’s announcement pertaining to recreational cricket applies at this time to England only. Guidelines specifically relating to Wales can be found on the ECB website.

From the England & Wales Cricket Board, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, NW8 8QZ.