London, Mar 21:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced suspension of all professional cricket till May 28, due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. The ECB took the decision, following discussions with the First Class Counties, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).
“It was agreed that, given the current information available, a seven-week delay to the start of the season IS the most appropriate approach,” an ECB media statement said here on Friday.
The ECB has begun modelling a range of options to start the season in June, July or August ? with an immediate focus on options for cricket in June, including the three-Test series against West Indies, the Vitality T20 Blast and England Women’s matches, scheduled against India. “Close liaison with the Government will continue, with discussions on the potential of starting the season behind closed doors and giving sports fans the opportunity to live broadcast action.
“The potential for reduced versions of competitions, should the season become further truncated, will also be discussed,” it added. The ECB said it will meet as needed to review the position and make further decisions, as the UK situation unfolds. “During this period of deep uncertainty, it is the ECB’s first priority to protect the well-being of everyone within the cricket family, from players, to fans to colleagues, across the game, ” ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said. “The decision to delay the start of the season has been essential, given the circumstances the nation faces. I am reassured by the collaborative effort from across the game that together, we will make the very best of whatever length of the season we are able to safely schedule in the coming months,” he added. He said this would give the ECB time to keep pace with a fast-moving situation and continue to plan for how a revised season might look.(UNI)
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