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COVID-19 and the impact on cricket

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry won’t be returning to Kent County Cricket Club for another stint after his contract was mutually cancelled in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Henry is the fourth overseas cricketer after Cheteshwar Pujara, Michael Nesser and Nathan Lyon to lose out on a county deal due to the health crisis triggered by the deadly virus which has killed over 1,19,000 globally.

Professional cricket in UK has been suspended till May 28 and there’s fear county season might be scrapped altogether this year.

“Once the decision was announced by the ECB that there would be no cricket until at least the end of May it became inevitable the Matt would not be returning to Kent this season,” Kent’s director of cricket Paul Downton said.

“The club continues to enjoy a good relationship with Matt. He has many friends here and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received when we announced the he would return in 2020 is a measure of Matt himself: he’s a fantastic person on and off the cricket field.

Henry was to play for Kent for first seven county championship matches. He was their star performer in the 2018 championship with 78 wickets at 15.48 helping their promotion.

“We’d like to thank Matt for his understanding in difficult circumstances. Hopefully another opportunity will arise in the near future which will allow him to join us once again,” Downton said.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...kent-withdrawn-amid-coronavirus-crisis-925522
 
Derbyshire County Cricket Club has deferred the contracts of Sean Abbott and Ben McDermott until next summer due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The club reached the decision in agreement with both players and their representatives in order to maximise their time at The Incora County Ground, and both will join up with Derbyshire in 2021, subject to final approvals and international commitments.

The Australian pair were due to feature in this summer’s Vitality Blast, with seamer Abbott also available for seven four-day matches and wicketkeeper-batsman McDermott competing in the List A campaign.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “These are unprecedented times and following the postponement of cricket until at least 28 May, and the full impact of the current situation yet to be determined, we need to be mindful of our cricket budget in 2020.

“We will keep our options open for this summer, depending on the amount of cricket we are able to play, however we must all now focus on the current challenges across the sport.

“I would like to thank Sean and Ben, as well as their representatives, for their understanding and commitment to playing a big part for Derbyshire and I look forward to welcoming them to The Incora County Ground next summer.”
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Serving humanity continues, my <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/IsbUnited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsbUnited</a> jerseys, cap & a bat are on auction from 5PM 16Apr - 11:59PM 19Apr. Raised amount will be used to serve the needy during holy month of Ramazan. You can bid on my twitter, fb page or call MisbahKhan on 923333277929. Shukriya! <a href="https://t.co/gExuUyJovI">pic.twitter.com/gExuUyJovI</a></p>— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) <a href="https://twitter.com/rummanraees15/status/1250491345183129600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cricket Australia will stand down all but a skeleton staff from April 27 as part of ongoing financial plans to weather the coronavirus pandemic.

CA had already put a number of staff on reduced pay but they will now be without jobs until the end of the financial year, it was announced on Thursday,

“The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport,” CA said in a statement.

“Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, and many scenarios are being considered.

“We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively.

“We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year.

“We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible.”

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...r/news-story/3eba9d40dc1b94fc9da663bc0a87953f
 
Essex Cricket suggest localised County Championship to ECB in wake of Covid-19

The ECB’s decision to postpone all forms of cricket until May 28 in line with government Covid-19 guidelines has thrown the future of the County Championship up in the air – not to mention the future for all the players and majority of non-playing staff who were placed on furlough leave until further notice on April 8.

If and when there is a resumption however, Essex have put forward the idea of a one-off localised – and condensed – version of the competition.

Commercial manager Darrell Fox said: “I think everyone involved is just keen to get any form of cricket on this summer and to make sure we are able to do so in a safe environment.

“We’ve suggested to the ECB about doing a localised county championship fixture.

“Maybe doing it between Surrey, Kent, Middlesex and ourselves, rather than going to Durham and Lancashire or something like that, it’s very difficult at the moment but I think the future for county cricket is strong.

“The other option we have is to extend the season into October, all of us are working towards getting cricket on which I think should be the priority.”

Head of sponsorships Greg Larkin was also optimistic we will see cricket this summer, but admitted a cloud of uncertainty hangs over what the various tournaments will look like.

He said: “There could be an opportunity to have a different league structure this season.

“Having a north, south, west and east County Championship division so we would only be playing clubs in our area, I would say that is a good option.

“They could do it as a cup structure (rather than a league structure) and whoever wins their division would play against each other in a semi-final and final match.

“I see that as a good idea that may be worth looking at.”

Since the pandemic spread across the country and forced a nationwide lockdown, cricket operations director Dan Feist has seen his role change from an array of social engagements, to managing the support and recovery and finally to helping the club return to cricket as soon as possible.

He said: “The number one thing we have to take into account is what the tune of the nation is and what it’s looking for and requiring which will lift spirits and bring the community together.

“There would certainly be some interest (in a localised County Championship) because of the local derby side of it.

“If we have an opportunity, even if it is just five or six weeks of cricket I think that is quite an important thing.

“It is such a staple of our culture over here: to have a summer with no cricket will be quite devastating so hopefully we get to a point where we have something.”

Despite everyone within the club keen to keep batting, Feist emphasised the importance of the traditional value of the competition.

“This is a very historic traditional competition that people have fought and worked so hard for over a number of years to win.

“So, I think we have to make sure we keep that history and tradition against what it means to win the County Championship.

“It might just be that this year it’s some showcase games that have a localised format, instead of trying to push through a big County Championship, which then doesn’t feel like it had the worth of other years which could then be potentially dangerous.

“I think you just need to evaluate all the knock-on domino effects to any decision that is made.”

An updated decision on the 2020 County Championship is yet to be announced but Fox revealed all teams are constantly in contact with the ECB.

He said: “Every couple of days there are virtual meetings between our chief executive and chairman with their counterparts from other clubs and a representative from the ECB.

“We know there is going to be an announcement within the next ten days.”

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/essex-...unty-championship-to-ecb-in-wake-of-covid-19/
 
Cricket Australia Furloughs Majority of Staff amid Covid-19 Crisis

Cricket Australia Furloughs Majority of Staff amid Covid-19 Crisis

The global health crisis has halted professional cricket around the world, leaving most boards bracing for significant revenue reductions.

Reuters |April 16, 2020, 3:52 PM IST

Cricket Australia (CA) said on Thursday it has decided to furlough the majority of its staff on reduced pay until the end of the financial year to cope with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The global health crisis has halted professional cricket around the world, leaving most boards bracing for significant revenue reductions.

"We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April ..." CA said in a statement.

"We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible."

This year's lucrative Indian Premier League has been postponed indefinitely while a cloud also hangs over the men's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October-November.

"Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, and many scenarios are being considered," CA said.

"We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively."

The England and Wales Cricket Board last month announced a 61 million pounds ($75.63 million) aid package to help the English game withstand the financial impact of the pandemic.

Link: These Cricket Boards make me sick. They have been earning big money and gigantic profits for the last 20-30 years but they are unable to stomach one year's worth of losses? The PCB in comparison has been incapacitated with no international cricket back home for the last 10 years and has been paying exhorbitant amounts of money to play in the UAE and even then it has decided not to furlough anyone and not to annouce any paycuts.
 
Why exactly should they stomach the loss (that would cause some incredible financial issues) when the government has a furlough scheme in place for this specific situation?
 
HitWicket said:
Why exactly should they stomach the loss (that would cause some incredible financial issues) when the government has a furlough scheme in place for this specific situation?
Click to expand...

Don't think the govt can do anything if the employee is being paid 20% of their wages
 
Savak said:
Don't think the govt can do anything if the employee is being paid 20% of their wages
Click to expand...

Assuming they're using the government furlough scheme the only employees who will be getting paid 20% of their wages are those that were already earning in excess of nearly $200,000 per year.
 
HitWicket said:
Assuming they're using the government furlough scheme the only employees who will be getting paid 20% of their wages are those that were already earning in excess of nearly $200,000 per year.
Click to expand...

I was reading an article in Canada that some Canadians who were still working during the epidemic in the essential services open for business are bitter because they are making less than those Canadians who are on the unemployment scheme. A lot of people still employed have had to face huge paycuts 50-80% and because they are still getting paid even if it is a fraction of what they used to make, they aren't elligible for govt help.

But my point was that a financially strong organization like Cricket Australia if it is still making the staff on its payroll with just 20% of their previous wages perform the same work as before should in good faith have backed these employees and have had the financial strenght to keep paying them their regular wages.

In the firm i worked in, i know of a guy who was given an offer of working at 30% of his previous salary but with the same duties and responsibilities, lol he was like nothing doing, either pay me my regular salary or lay me off.
 
Savak said:
I was reading an article in Canada that some Canadians who were still working during the epidemic in the essential services open for business are bitter because they are making less than those Canadians who are on the unemployment scheme. A lot of people still employed have had to face huge paycuts 50-80% and because they are still getting paid even if it is a fraction of what they used to make, they aren't elligible for govt help.

But my point was that a financially strong organization like Cricket Australia if it is still making the staff on its payroll with just 20% of their previous wages perform the same work as before should in good faith have backed these employees and have had the financial strenght to keep paying them their regular wages.

In the firm i worked in, i know of a guy who was given an offer of working at 30% of his previous salary but with the same duties and responsibilities, lol he was like nothing doing, either pay me my regular salary or lay me off.
Click to expand...

Haven't seen anything that's suggested they've reduced the pay of those that are still working?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michael Holding asks for people to contribute to the Pakistan Prime-Minister's Covid-19 Relief Fund <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/kFqEMbw7di">pic.twitter.com/kFqEMbw7di</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1251050217794912258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Cricket clubs and leagues are now able to apply to two new funding schemes specifically designed to help see them through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures are part of a £61m package designed to support the whole game, with ECB having also announced measures to help lower central costs, and protect jobs in the long-term.

Director of Participation & Growth, Nick Pryde, said: "This is a very difficult time for our sport and for everyone involved in the recreational game across England and Wales.

"ECB understands the concerns of everyone involved in cricket and we want to be able to support. We hope that these Emergency Support Measures will be beneficial to you and your club.

"We would like to thank you for your efforts in working for your club, for your league and for the game throughout this difficult period, we understand it hasn't been easy.

"All of us at ECB will continue to listen to the recreational game and work with you to help support and guide. Together we can help our game overcome this challenge."

***

1. EMERGENCY LOAN SCHEME

The ECB Emergency Loan Scheme aims to support affiliated cricket clubs during the COVID-19 crisis by providing funding to assist clubs to cover any shortfall in essential day-to-day running and maintenance costs until normal recreational cricket activity can be resumed.

Who can apply?

Clubs affiliated to their County Cricket Board in 2019 or 2020.

What will the scheme fund?

ECB will consider applications for costs for a period of up to 12 months. Clubs should calculate estimated shortfall in the following expenditure areas:

Utility or service Costs
Rental charges
Staff costs (employees – not coaches or players)
Cleaning or maintenance commitments
IT licences
Security
Insurance
Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
TV / Broadband subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
Affiliations
Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted cost
How much loan can I apply for?

Club with a junior section (including All Stars Cricket / Dynamos Cricket) between £1,000 and £5,000.

Club with an adult section only between £1,000 and £3,000.


2. RETURN TO CRICKET GRANT SCHEME

The Return to Cricket Grant Scheme aims to provide cricket clubs and leagues with assistance in exceptional circumstances, where other potential sources of financial support are not available, e.g. constitutionally a loan is not an option or there is a high risk of default in paying back a loan.

Who can apply?

Clubs that are prevented from taking out an Emergency Loan by their own constitution or articles

Cricket leagues (open-age or junior)

Clubs that have an annual turnover of less than £15,000

What will the scheme fund?

Clubs and leagues can apply for:

Utility or service costs
Rental charges
Staff costs (employees – not coaches or players)
Cleaning or maintenance commitments
IT licences
Security
Insurance
Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
TV / Broadband subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
Affiliations
Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted costs
How much grant can I apply for?

Clubs with an adult Section only up to £1,000.

Leagues (open-age or junior) up to £2,000.

Clubs with a junior section (including All Stars Cricket / Dynamos Cricket) up to £3,000.
 
Chief executives of Test playing nations will attend a conference call next week to discuss the impact of the Covid–19 pandemic on the Future Tours Program (FTP). Foremost on the agenda will be the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) that is now in doubt. The final is scheduled for June next year.

India lead the WTC table with 360 points. Australia, lying second (296 points), have already lost a chance to topple India as leaders after the postponement of its two-Test series in Bangladesh scheduled for June. England’s tour of Sri Lanka too was postponed, with more disruptions on the cards. With the UK government extending the lockdown till May 7 and a further extension looming, the tours of West Indies and Pakistan to England in June-July are set to be affected.

“Currently, nobody knows how long this is going to last and which country will be able to come out of it, and when. The FTP will have to be revisited as members start to understand what can be rescheduled and what can’t,” a source close to developments said.

The two-year WTC cycle began after the 2019 ODI World Cup with each team to play six Test series--three at home and three away. The debate over the points system notwithstanding, the postponements have left the WTC cycle itself in tatters. With India and Australia well placed on the table, they may make a case for extending the cycle beyond June 2021 rather than scrapping the championship.

The first ODI league set to begin in May is to give context to bilateral ODIs and will serve as a qualifying pathway to the 2023 World Cup. It will now be deferred.

When scramble to book alternate slots in a post-pandemic world begins, commercial considerations will dictate planning. The priority of the big three boards (India, Australia, England) is to minimise losses. BCCI needs to find a window for its premier event, IPL. WTC or not, India would want the 11 home matches (3 T20s, 3 ODIs, 5 Tests) against England in 20-21 to happen given the board’s high-value media rights deal.

Cricket Australia relies heavily on the year-ending tour by India to prevent a further dent in its balance sheet. The England board, ECB, is the worst affected as its entire home season, including the inaugural ‘The Hundred’, is in doubt.

That raises questions about the T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November. The affected boards, at least the powerful ones, which stand to make more money from cricket at home than from the share of ICC revenue, may be keen to book their own window in place of the World Cup.

With India to host a T20 World Cup in 2021, ICC is looking at multiple scenarios. “We are continuing with our planning for ICC events as they are but given the rapidly evolving situation, as a prudent and responsible measure we are also undertaking a comprehensive contingency planning exercise... We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government, and take decisions at the appropriate time,” an ICC spokesman said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/spor...uture-tours/story-InfIo2eAeWs8yygihLzhAI.html
 
AN international cricketer has recorded a special message aimed at Oxford's Urdu speaking community in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Pakistan cricket player, Aizaz Cheema, recorded the message for Oxford residents, highlighting the support available at Oxford City Council’s Locality Response Hubs.

Five hubs have been set up around the city to coordinate the distribution of food, medicines and other essential supplies to vulnerable households.

Mr Cheema has played nationally for Pakistan’s cricket team, as well as having a successful domestic team career.

Councillor Marie Tidball, Cabinet Member for Supporting Local Communities, said: “The coronavirus pandemic affects us all and it is important that everyone is aware of the support that is available.

"I would like to thank Aizaz Cheema for recording this message for us to share with the Urdu speaking community here in Oxford.

"We will continue to share messages in a wide range of languages for residents in Oxford to ensure that nobody who is vulnerable is without access to support.”

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18389433.cricketer-plays-covid-19-message/
 
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Former Australia captain Mark Taylor and wicket-keeping great Adam Gilchrist believe pay cuts are inevitable for the country’s cricketers as the sport gears up to deal with the expected financial crisis posed by the novel coronavirus.

Cricket Australia (CA), the governing body of the sport, on Thursday announced plans to lay off almost 80% of its staff, putting them on 20% pay until June 30.

Media reported on Saturday that CA Chief Executive Kevin Roberts has told staff a financial crisis was coming and the organisation would not have been able to pay its bills at the end of August without layoffs.

Gilchrist, who retired in 2008 after a glittering career spanning almost 12 years, said the players were next.

“Without being aware of any numbers and the financial side of it, I wouldn’t be surprised if we go back a decade or two to the level of payment that players get. Even maybe further for a while,” Gilchrist told ABC Grandstand on Sunday.

“It’s going to get stripped back, right back. Support staff numbers have to get dragged back.

“The revenue is going to go down significantly, 50% they are banking on at the moment and that’s an optimistic position, I believe. The players will take a whack.”

The spread of the coronavirus has forced countries to close their borders and impose lockdowns. It has halted professional cricket, leaving most boards bracing for significant revenue falls.

This year’s lucrative Indian Premier League, which offers big pay cheques for the players, has also been postponed indefinitely.

“There will be haircuts, as we’ve seen from CA staff. Players will be next,” Taylor, a former member of the CA board, said on the Nine Network.

“I also suspect that Cricket Australia and the ACA (Australian Cricketers’ Association) have been working together on this. I hope they get their heads together and sort out a good solution for the near future.”

Cricket Australia would hope to earn significant revenue later this year when the country hosts the men’s Twenty20 World Cup in October and November before India’s tour for a widely anticipated four-test series around the New Year.

“Six months is a long time. It may not be long enough in this pandemic, but it might be long enough to get some cricket in October which may save Cricket Australia and the players from taking too big a haircut,” Taylor said.

“Cricket Australia are trying to be proactive and making a move early to hopefully save some pain later.”

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-h...-pay-cuts-for-australia-players-idUKKBN221082
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This bat is very precious to me as I got my maiden double hundred in Test.Lots of memory is attached with it but decided to auction it for the welfare for my country men who are COVID-19 victims.Please come forward and let me help them. Stay tuned for further information-MR15 <a href="https://t.co/b5RkHF6qlU">pic.twitter.com/b5RkHF6qlU</a></p>— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) <a href="https://twitter.com/mushfiqur15/status/1251845880841244673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
This is probably a very different/unique way of looking at it, but as I sit in my room - bored because of the lack of cricket, and wondering when normalcy will be restored in the cricketing world as well as in life a whole - I think about how although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cricket, cricket can in turn impact COVID-19 back, and thereby defeat it. Even though sports are the last thing on anyone's mind at the moment, I really believe we can use cricket and its teachings to defeat this pandemic collectively. Firstly, cricket is and has always been a gentleman's game. In spite of all the competition, we've seen countless moments on and off the field that have restored this belief. For instance, we've seen the entire cricketing fraternity come together, halt play, and mourn Philip Hughes's death together. We've seen Grant Elliott extend his hand out to Dale Steyn in a game as important as the 2015 CWC semi-final, right after winning his nation the game. Instead of celebrating and going wild, he made sure to include Steyn and ensure he has his chin up walking off the field. We've also seen Indian and Pakistani players - bitter rivals for decades - tie each others shoelaces on the field, fix each other's cramps on the field, share light-hearted moments, etc. We've heard about several similar off-field moments i.e. NZ players enjoying drinks with the Englishmen after that CWC 2019 final. Each of these instances highlight the spirit of cricket, and show that humanity comes first - before country, religion, ethnicity, or any of that. I believe this is what we need to implement in society as well. The likes of Shahid Afridi, Ahmed Shehzad etc. have already set a prime example by going door-to-door themselves and distributing ration to the poor. Just recently, Afridi distributed goods to minorities, showing that humanity comes first in such delicate times, putting religion etc. aside. The likes of Rumman Raees have also been involved in good work and have auctioned their CT17 equipment, while Babar Azam, Azhar Ali etc. have announced donations. I’m sure cricketers from other countries have done the same. We must all take inspiration from this and contribute to society in whatever way we can in these testing times, keeping the interests of humanity at large in mind. If we want to announce our donations to inspire others (and have a clean intention), then fair enough - but doing it privately would be good too (and probably better), IMO.

Cricket also encourages teamwork, and is a sport where you need multiple contributions from team members to get over the line. We've seen games with brilliant individual performances go in vain; on the other hand, we've seen games with no standout individual performances, but several members chipping in with moderate performances and winning the game as one unit. At the end of the day, to be a top team, you need a few world-class players surrounded by supporting players. As we fight this pandemic, we each know how capable we are financially, and how much we can do for society. While celebrities and the wealthier individuals (which some of us fortunately are) are able to do more and put their influence to good use - inspiring others in the process - I believe the rest of us should try to play the supporting role as much as possible, and donate/distribute food and other necessities as much as we can. One individual donating $500 to one place is good, but what's perhaps more effective is if 10 individuals collaborate and donate $50 to 10 different neighbourhoods, and spread the outreach that way (with the $ amounts just being an example). But the point is, we must work together.

Lastly, cricket teaches us to never give up, no matter what the situation. If Imran Khan and his men gave up in 1992, Pakistan wouldn't have won that WC. If Carlos Brathwaite gave up before that last over, he wouldn't have smacked consecutive sixes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. If Pakistan gave up after the spot-fixing scandal or even the 2009 attacks, we wouldn't have a competitive Pakistan side today that is now hosting international cricketers and teams regularly once again, Alhamdulillah. In fact, hosting cricket in Pakistan was a result of the cooperation of players/teams/boards around the world, their willingness to help Pakistan out, and the PCB's hard work - teamwork at its finest. It just shows that if everyone works together, anything can be countered. As Imran Khan says - we as humans have effort and intention in our control; success is in God's control. We have to do whatever we can though, in our capacity, and help humanity in these times regardless of where we're from. Yuvraj and Bhajji endorsed Afridi's foundation, which is doing great work - credit to them for that. But they mustn't receive backlash for that at all. It's about putting egos, nationalism, etc aside and just helping as many people as we can out, putting humanity's interests on top.

For any sort of competitive cricket to resume, we must fight and try to end the pandemic together in whatever capacity we can, using what cricket teaches us. I suggest we first help those around us i.e. those in our neighbourhood, and then expand outwards, depending on what we can each do with our own resources. If everyone reading this takes responsibility for those around them, we can help so many people and can collectively work towards ending this pandemic. Not only will this hasten the process of resuming normal life (which really is the most important goal here), but it will also hopefully see cricket resuming sooner rather than later. It's the least we can do sitting in the comforts of our home, with the extra time we have. On top of that, Ramadan is around the corner so there is no better time to do something charitable for the benefit of our humanity, as we will be asked one day what we did with our belongings and wealth.

Let's fight this together - we can do it!
 
There is a really simple solution for the World Test Championship.

Simple, and elegant.

Combine the first and second 2 year cycles.

That way every team plays everyone else home AND away.

It's fairer, and it would be easy to adapt to.

And for summer 2023 you could include 2 semi-finals and a Final.
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today jointly announced the postponement of the Standard Bank Proteas tour to Sri Lanka that was scheduled to be played in the first half of June and consist of three One-Day Internationals and three T20 International matches.

The ODI leg would have been the Proteas first commitment in the ICC’s new one-day league.

“It is very sad that we have been forced to take this step and we will re-schedule the tour as soon as cricket returns to a sense of normality and our international fixture list allows,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul.

“Our Proteas would not have been able to prepare properly taking our own lockdown situation into account and, more importantly, health considerations for our players, which are always paramount, were the over-riding factor,” he added.

“It would have been a particularly important tour for us with the three ODIs counting for the new ICC one-day league and the T20 programme being part of our preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for Australia later this year. It is very frustrating for the players who want to build on the good form they showed at the backend of our home summer against Australia,” Dr. Faul concluded
 
Cricket Australia is exploring all options to ensure India tour next summer, predicting losses of hundreds of millions of dollars if Virat Kohli’s drawcards can’t do so because of the coronavirus pandemic.

CA chief executive Kevin Roberts said hosting an additional Test against India, in a series possibly played in one city at a stadium without spectators, is an option.

CA is also desperately examining how to host the Twenty20 World Cup slated for October and November. Playing the T20 showcase tournament in empty stadiums is being considered.

“We might not generate financial returns from that event that are as significant as the international cricket season (in Australia),” Roberts told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday.

“But what we do know is that the bigger returns from the broadcast rights around the event that are generated by the ICC are very important to all of our counterparts around the cricket world. So it’s incumbent on us to do everything possible to stage and host the T20 World Cup.”

CA, which has stood down most staff and warned players to brace for looming pay cuts, has already suffered a $20m hit due to Covid-19.

Roberts said that figure would skyrocket should India not tour. “If you contemplate the prospect of the international season in particular being affected, we have an issue of hundreds of millions of dollars on our hands,” Roberts said.

“So it’s very important that we do everything possible to stage the season. Whether or not there’s people at the venue ... we will explore all viable options. Fortunately we have a little bit of time to work through the different scenarios with the India series. But we’re not ruling out any possibility for that at this point in time.”

Roberts also defended CA’s finances after standing down the majority of staff on about 20 per cent of their usual pay for the rest of the financial year, despite signing a landmark broadcast deal worth $1.2bn in 2018.

Players could also soon be asked to take pay cuts. “On one level, cricket is fortunate in terms of the time of year when the coronavirus situation hit,” Roberts said. “On another level, cricket is unfortunate in that it has hit us at the lowest point of our four-year cash cycle.”

In 2016, at the start of the cycle, CA had cash and investments worth about $270m - that figure had dropped to about $97m in March this year.

“We were completely on track with our plan for the year until coronavirus hit,” Roberts said. “The unfortunate reality of that is we’re estimating that we have taken a $20m impact thus far. And we have to anticipate, given the unknown and fast-moving nature of this situation, that there will be more risks than that $20m.”

CA would reduce operating expenses by 25 per cent in the next financial year, with state associations likely to be asked to do likewise, with Roberts saying there would be “a further plan to go deeper if need be”.

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said playing all games against India at one venue should be a last resort, but if it had to happen then Adelaide Oval would be the best option.

“The bowlers and batters would probably be happy with that, it’s probably been the best cricket wicket the last four or five years,” Hazlewood said.

“It gives a bit to both batting and bowling, I wouldn’t mind it. It’s not ideal though. We want to get around to all parts of Australia and challenge ourselves on all those different wickets.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...-of-millions-of-dollars-in-coronavirus-crisis
 
Glamorgan Cricket have today announced a scheme aimed at providing free tickets for NHS staff, as a thanks for their tireless efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the scheme, the public can nominate their NHS heroes to receive five adult tickets to a Glamorgan T20 group game in 2020 or 2021. All under-17s tickets in 2020 are also free.

Those who wish to nominate their NHS heroes can do so here.

Head of commercial, Huw Warren, said, "At this unprecedented time, the Club would like to place on record our gratitude to those who are working to keep us safe and healthy.

"As a token of our appreciation, we are offering any NHS staff member who gets nominated five adult tickets to a T20 game at Sophia Gardens.

"I have members of my own family on the front line, and everyone has their heroes within their friends and family who they can nominate to enjoy an evening at the cricket.

"We want the public to help celebrate our real heroes in every day lives, and we want to help them be rewarded for their selflessness and sacrifice in this current climate."
 
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Wasim Khan has termed the upcoming ICC Chief Executives’ Committee meeting as ‘extremely critical’ as a wide-range of topics will be discussed with the other board members on Thursday.

“The purpose of the meeting is to gain a full understanding of the members’ priorities during this time and to discuss and share the key mitigation factors required to resume international cricket based on the government advice in each territory,” read the ICC press release which was issued on Monday.

Wasim will be representing the PCB at the ICC meeting. “I look forward to making a meaningful contribution,” Wasim was quoted as saying.

With the cricketing activities to have come to a halt because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many cricket boards are facing an uphill task of minimising the financial damage.

“The PCB has recently invested a lot of time in scenario planning and will be sharing its ideas in the meeting. We are also looking forward to learning from other boards,” he said. Among the wide-range of topics that will be on agenda, the integration of fans, financial planning, and bilateral series and ICC events will also be discussed.”

The World T20 is scheduled to be played later this year. But with most of the major sporting activities having been called off, it is yet to see whether the tournament will go ahead as per schedule. The ICC has already said that it was ‘exploring all options’ and would decide the tournament’s fate at an appropriate time.

Wasim has also urged the cricket world to stand united at this difficult hour and said that the meeting would provide the perfect opportunity for it. “Covid-19 has posed an unprecedented situation for the cricket world, which can only be combated with a collective approach,” he said.

He also revealed that the PCB has been maintaining close engagement with most of the ICC members since the Covid-19 outbreak.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1551233/tomorrows-icc-meeting-extremely-critical-wasim
 
ICC to host CEC meeting via conference call on Thursday

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will host a Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) meeting via conference call on Thursday 23 April.
stadium

The meeting, which will bring together the CEOs of the 12 Full Members and the three Associate Representatives, will provide an opportunity for the CEC to collectively consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sport.

The purpose of the meeting is to gain a full understanding of Member priorities during this time and to discuss and share the key mitigation factors required to resume international cricket based on government advice in each territory.

Countries will start to reopen at different stages and in different ways and we will need to respect that and have a holistic view of this to enable us to take well-informed decisions that mitigate the various risks.

The CEC will discuss the approach to rescheduling postponed series and the need for collectively reviewing the FTP through to 2023 as well as the World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup Super League. They will also receive an update on the continuing contingency planning for all ICC global events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: "This meeting is the first step of a collective process as we assess the impact of this ongoing global pandemic and work together so the sport can emerge from it in a strong position. We need to share knowledge and start to build a deep understanding of what it will take to resume international cricket.

"The scale of this task should not be underestimated and will encompass a myriad of factors until the public health situation has improved to a point that it is safe for our players, our employees, our fans and in a way that will not impact the public health situation adversely. Countries will start to reopen at different stages and in different ways and we will need to respect that and have a holistic view of this to enable us to take well-informed decisions that mitigate the various risks as much as possible.

"In relation to ICC events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, we will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government. We will utilize all of the data and information available to us to ensure we can take responsible decisions around all competitions at an appropriate time that are in the best interests of our sport."
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re auctioning this lot off on eBay for <a href="https://twitter.com/gowellfund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gowellfund</a>. My shirt and stump from the last test I played in Cape Town and my Tailender bat &#55357;&#56397;&#55357;&#56391;<a href="https://t.co/DcAdsYcQmJ">https://t.co/DcAdsYcQmJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/U5gfHTeIjE">pic.twitter.com/U5gfHTeIjE</a></p>— James Anderson (@jimmy9) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy9/status/1253985378735927296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
cricket.jpg


Even amid the coronavirus pandemic with lockdown imposed around the globe, sports enthusiasts are often sneaking out to play the game they love. This boy in Srinagar, India however was a bit innovative as he put on a homemade facemask to play cricket during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the coronavirus. While such innovative measures have not yet been noticed in Bangladesh but a number of cricket lovers were spotted on numerous occasions at different places of the country playing cricket defying government directives. Photo: AFP
 
I think that this is the best place to have the discussion that started on a different thread about what is required to return to hosting international cricket.

A pandemic can be controlled as follows:

1) Total eradication
- this is what New Zealand is striving for. It requires Total Closure of borders until a vaccine is developed, and first of course there need to be aggressive use of social distancing, school and workplace closures in order to wipe out the virus in the first place.

2) Containment
This uses a mixture of closed borders, aggressive testing and comprehensive contact tracing (and testing) as well as aggressive social distancing and widespread school and public place closures to keep case numbers down to a bare minimum.

This is where countries like Australia, South Korea and Taiwan are, and where Singapore was until they allowed returned travelers from overseas to quarantine at home.

In actual fact, Australia and New Zealand are remarkably close statistically - but with different goals.

People often - wrongly - attribute the success of Australia and New Zealand to low population density. It's completely irrelevant that large tracts of their countries are empty - BOTH countries have a greater proportion of urban residents (85% and 86% respectively) than the UK or the USA. The reasons why Australia and New Zealand have done so much better than the UK and USA so far are that:

1. They test much more aggressively.
2. They contact trace and test much more aggressively.
3. They closed their borders much more comprehensively.

(In fact, they would both already have achieved eradication were it not for the cruise ships that brought in their ruin.)

3) Mitigation
This is what you do when you have lost control of the outbreak.

At this stage aggressive testing and contact testing mean that both Australia and New Zealand can identify the vast number of people at risk and swiftly isolate and treat them. In contrast, the UK, USA and many northern European countries failed to close their borders in time and have no idea where each Covid patient acquired the virus, or whom they have infected. Numbers are now so large that they have all but abandoned contact tracing and testing of people without severe illness.

At this point all you can do is bury the elderly and the frail, and use social distancing as a tool to delay further spread to reduce the pressure on hospitals.

What has this got to do with cricket?
Australia and New Zealand are at similar but different points.

They have avoided a large scale outbreak, but that means that virtually no one has any immunity in those countries until a vaccine is developed and deployed. That means that they cannot allow international travel, either inward or outbound.

There is a possibility that Australia will unintentionally eradicate the virus and be welcomed by New Zealand into a Tasman Bubble for travel and sport. But this is getting less likely by the day, as the Australian government flirts with using schools as babysitters and exempting them from social distancing rules. Kids rarely get severe illness but often are asymptomatic carriers - and that means that open schools will spread the virus slowly and prevent eradication.

Defeating a pandemic before the arrival of a vaccine or a treatment is a long game. You need to make sacrifices for months and possibly years before you reopen society. Australia, like the UK and the USA, is largely influenced by the Murdoch media which is pushing for early resumption of normal life, and has a more right-wing government, and that will lead to divergence from New Zealand after the current phase of isolation ends in Australia. New Zealand will hope to have no further outbreaks but will be stuck with a largely closed economy, while Australia will accept outbreaks but try to limit them.

Overall, it means this:

1. International cricket outside of Australia and New Zealand is probably impossible until a vaccine is widely deployed. Which means not before mid-2021.

2. Whether or nor Australia and New Zealand can form a Tasman Bubble and play home and away series with one another depends upon how their strategies diverge after the first wave of the virus is controlled. If they adopt near-identical policies to international travel (Air NZ has already been ordered to mothball its long-haul 777 fleet until at least April 2021) and to social distancing and school closures, then the bubble may happen.

But if Australia opens up its borders at all, or if it opens up society further and effectively accepts the possibility of further outbreaks, it is impossible to see how it could join a virus-free bubble with New Zealand.
 
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For those people who are wondering whether India will be granted an exemption to travel to Australia if they agree to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon arrival:

I doubt it.

Certain cruise ships - notably the Ruby Princess - were granted exemptions and public opinion is enraged by the consequences.

At this stage you can't even cross state borders without crossing a checkpoint: I am allowed from Queensland into New South Wales without checks (although I can be fined if found out and about without due cause). But to get back home into Queensland I require a border pass, without which I would be quarantined for 14 days each time I returned to Queensland.

People are increasingly aware that the Atalanta versus Valencia and Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid Champions League matches spread the virus and caused mass deaths. I would be surprised if cricket is allowed an exemption from whatever the prevailing rules are later this year.

And what's more, India have never shown any inclination to arrive 2 weeks early and practice with a red ball. I struggle to imagine them wanting to arrive two weeks before that, and be imprisoned in their hotel rooms.
 
As a medical student, I did units of study on the history of medicine, and they are quite illuminating now.

I remember learning about Typhoid Mary, who was a cook who was an asymptomatic carrier whose cooking caused multiple deaths.

I learned about the toll of smallpox and measles as highly infectious viruses similar to coronavirus in terms of their capacity for contagion.

But most illuminating was learning about the early spread of cholera at Broad Street in Soho in 1854, less than a mile from my medical school (The Middlesex). Just like now a virus was killing people in clusters, and nobody really understood why. It turned out that a pump for drinking water was to blame.

The current pandemic is similar: we don't really understand at this point how community transmission occurs. And it could even be that things like shared use of toilets and sinks may be one means of transmission.

It's a big enough thing playing international cricket behind closed doors. But the players are young enough to be highly unlikely to develop symptoms if they are infected. Which means that anything from a door handle to a cricket ball to a shower tap could actually spread the virus.
 
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club can confirm that the contracts for its three overseas players have been cancelled by mutual consent.

South African left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj had agreed to re-join the White Rose for their opening two Specsavers County Championship fixtures against Gloucestershire and Essex.

Later this summer, Yorkshire were set to add yet more international experience to the spin department with India’s Ravichandran Ashwin due to play the majority of the remaining Championship fixtures.

West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran had agreed a second stint at Emerald Headingley after agreeing to re-join as Yorkshire Vikings’ Vitality Blast overseas player for the 2020 campaign.

However, due to the global Coronavirus outbreak, all parties have come to an agreement to cancel these contracts.

Martyn Moxon, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Director of Cricket said: “Firstly, I really appreciate the players’ understanding in this matter. We have been in regular contact with the players and their agents throughout this Covid pandemic. They have been extremely professional and appreciate the uncertainty facing counties at present.

“We hope that we will be able to see them at Emerald Headingley in the future.”
 
As sporting action across the world has come to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to provide relief to the affected segments of the country's cricketing community. "The SLC Executive Committee took a decision to grant its member clubs (ones, which maintain cricket grounds) a sum of LKR 100,000, each, for the months of March and April 2020 to help upkeep the standards of the cricketing venues and infrastructure facilities," the apex body of cricket in Sri Lanka said in an official statement.

Under this initiative, 26 District Cricket Associations and 11 member Clubs (ones, which maintain cricket grounds) will receive financial grants.

The District Cricket Associations will receive LKR 150,000 for its managerial staff and players of the district squads who are facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

Also, the SLC has provided a monetary advance of LKR 780,000 to the Umpires Association of Sri Lanka, as a relief measure.

The apex body had also launched ''Coach Education App'' a digital facility to help its coaches develop and enhance knowledge at their home amid the rising coronavirus concerns.

Earlier, SLC had postponed all domestic tournaments until further notice. The South Africa tour of Sri Lanka was cancelled due to the pandemic.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/sri...ubs-umpires-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-2219800
 
David Warner has poured cold water on the prospect of Australia touring the UK this summer, giving the England and Wales Cricket Board a fresh headache as it prepares to postpone the Hundred by 12 months.

The ECB has been clinging on to the hope that, while its new 100-ball tournament will likely be mothballed at a board meeting on Wednesday, England’s men might still be able to play their intended 18 home internationals behind closed doors in a delayed and truncated season.

But while their six white-ball fixtures against Australia in July were already facing a shift to the back end of the summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, Warner fancies his side will not be making the trip at all.

“At the moment it’s highly unlikely we’re going to go over there given what’s happened in England,” the Australia opener told cricket.com.au, before referencing Boris Johnson’s recent return to health after being admitted to hospital with Covid-19. “[Johnson] is back up on his feet now and that’s fantastic news, but there’s a lot more to this than just sport being played.”

Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, admitted last week that it was “very early for us to be able to say the Aussies will be here” given global travel restrictions. But at the forefront of his mind now is ensuring the Hundred actually sees the light of day.

A 12-month postponement of the new tournament is expected to be approved at the board meeting on Wednesday and announced on Thursday morning – a decision that could cost the ECB an estimated £10m in player compensation and lost marketing spend.

But despite forecasts of a recession there remains an unflinching determination to get under way in 2021, even if teams may have to be redrafted from those picked last October and extra promotional work is required to make up for the loss of momentum.

The ECB has also privately pushed back at the idea of selling equity stakes in the Hundred’s eight teams to investors – or gifting them to the counties in lieu of central payments – following a suggestion by Oakwell Sports Advisory, a consultancy firm that advised CVC on its £200m deal with Premiership Rugby in 2018.

As well as the Hundred’s future, the ECB board will discuss Ian Watmore’s appointment as chairman, having been forced to re-examine his departure from the Football League two years ago after his conduct during negotiations over a TV deal was questioned in a report seen by the Daily Mail.

Source: Guardian
 
Black Cap Henry Nicholls is doing his bit to help New Zealand families impacted by Covid-19, donating his shirt from the controversial 2019 Cricket World Cup final.

Nicholls has linked with humanitarian group Unicef NZ and will donate one of his two 2019 Cricket World Cup shirts, which are signed by the Black Caps squad.

It is the short sleeved shirt Nicholls wore while batting in the eventful final against England at Lord's in July, where New Zealand suffered the heartbreak of losing on a boundary countback, following a drawn match and Super Over. Nicholls top-scored for New Zealand in the final, hitting 55, opening the innings.

The idea came to Christchurch-based Nicholls during the level four lockdown and said he was eager to help in any way possible.

For the first time, Unicef New Zealand is focusing humanitarian efforts on Kiwi children and families, who are battling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unicef NZ has partnered with the Salvation Army and Countdown to provide urgent food and hygiene supplies across the country.

The Salvation Army usually provides up to 1200 food parcels a week, but the need has grown to about 6000 per week. Unicef were fundraising to help with family emergency packs.

Nicholls was touched by those figures and desperate to assist.

''Since the start of lockdown, it's more than tripled the demand for food parcels throughout New Zealand,'' Nicholls told Stuff.

''That was something that really sparked my interest and from my point of view, everything that happened at the World Cup last year, that's a pretty memorable experience. I thought I could put that shirt up as a bit of an incentive for people to donate.''

Black Caps senior bowler was a shoo-in for top award after a memorable test season.
Anyone who has donated with Unicef NZ since the Covid-19 outbreak or contributes before Monday has the chance to go into the draw to win Nicholls' signed shirt.

The winner would be picked randomly and everyone was eligible, no matter how much they have donated.

''For me I wanted to go away from the auction sort of thing, where the highest bidder wins it. I wanted to make it a bit more inclusive and anyone can donate five or 10 dollars and go into the draw to win it,'' Nicholls said.

''It all adds up. A lot of families and everyone in New Zealand is really feeling the pinch. It's a small little thing and hopefully it can make a big difference.''

Unicef NZ executive director Vivien Maidaborn was touched by Nicholls' selfless act and encouraged New Zealanders to continue to help.

''One donor that gives to our campaign will be lucky enough to receive [Nicholls' shirt]. I encourage all New Zealanders to support our campaign if they haven't already, so we can reach even more Kiwi families in need.

“For decades Unicef have supported children around the world with life-saving nutrition and hygiene supplies. We have never before supported Kiwi families with groceries and soap, and I am thrilled that we have now reached over 10,000 families.''

Unicef NZ had raised $643,000 for the Covid-19 Salvation Army Appeal and are targeting $700,000.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup final is regarded among the greatest ODIs in history with the result ebbing and flowing in the late stages of the match and Super Over.

Even though they were denied a historic first men's Cricket World Cup title, Nicholls said the Black Caps reflected proudly on what they had achieved at the tournament.

''Regardless of whether we'd won or lost, I don't think it defines you.

Become a Stuff supporter today for as little as $1 to help our local news teams bring you reliable, independent news you can trust.

''If I was a World Cup winner or a runner-up like we are, I'd still be in lockdown at the moment and looking for ways to help people. It was an amazing ride and obviously very heartbreaking at the end. We felt very humbled by all the support we had from back home and around the world.''

Nicholls was in awe of the tremendous work Unicef did both overseas and in New Zealand. Playing cricket in the subcontinent, they were often reminded of the poverty that existed and what a fortunate position professional athletes were in.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/crick...holls-donates-world-cup-final-shirt-to-unicef
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Supersport showing the #438 game . The bat i used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years. <a href="https://t.co/VyGyAzKVSn">pic.twitter.com/VyGyAzKVSn</a></p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1256179385876590592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Wasim Akram, Babar Azam to inspire women’s team

• Great opportunity for us to learn what made Wasim Akram stand above the rest, says all-rounder Aliya Riaz

• Middle-order batter Omaima Sohail looking forward to hear how Babar Azam applies his skills

• “It is extremely important that players continue to develop and these sessions will be beneficial in that aspect,” says Urooj Mumtaz, head of the national women’s selection committee

Lahore, 3 May 2020

To help players learn from the cricket’s elite and remain focused on the game during the Covid-19 lockdown, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organised online sessions for the Pakistan national women’s team with the legendary Wasim Akram and Babar Azam.

The interactive sessions will be held via videoconference calls in which around 35 women cricketers – current internationals and emerging players – will be provided insights about how to strategize and approach the game in different conditions.

ICC hall of famer and the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket from Pakistan, Wasim Akram, on Monday, will share his experiences and provide an overview about his learnings over the course of his extraordinary 18-year-long international career. Wasim had delivered a similar session to Pakistan men’s and a selection of emerging team players last week.

The session with Babar Azam – whose stratospheric rise has seen him at the top of the T20I rankings, number three in ODI rankings and number five in Test rankings – will be attended by women batters in which the captain of the national men’s T20I side will shed light on the art of batting by sharing how he gears up for different conditions and situations.

Sharing her excitement about the opportunity to learn from Wasim Akram, Aliya Riaz said: “I have grown up watching videos of Wasim Akram and how he brought laurels for Pakistan with both bat and ball from some adverse of situations.

“It is a great opportunity for me and I am eager to learn from the great of the game and understand his work ethic which made him stand apart from the rest.”

Looking forward to the session with Babar Azam, Omaima Sohail said: “Babar Azam is a top batsman and a session with him will help all the batters to understand what makes him different than the others and reflect on how we can continue to improve ourselves.

“I will be looking to hear from Babar how he establishes his innings and navigates during the tough phases. I am sure this session will prove to be helpful.”

Urooj Mumtaz, the chair of the national women’s selection committee, said: “It is extremely important that the players continue to develop during this phase when cricket is on hold and these sessions are certainly going to be beneficial in that aspect.

“We keep looking for ideas to keep the players engaged and motivated. Fitness plans have been provided to both the senior and junior group of players and they have been working at home to ensure they are ready once the situation normalises.”

“Sessions with Wasim Akram and Babar Azam will provide the players an opportunity to listen and learn from the best, helping them in improving their game. Pakistan has produced some of the most extraordinary cricketers in the history of the game and we will continue to bring them on board for the benefit of our players.”
 
BoomBoomCricket said:
Wasim Akram, Babar Azam to inspire women’s team

• Great opportunity for us to learn what made Wasim Akram stand above the rest, says all-rounder Aliya Riaz

• Middle-order batter Omaima Sohail looking forward to hear how Babar Azam applies his skills

• “It is extremely important that players continue to develop and these sessions will be beneficial in that aspect,” says Urooj Mumtaz, head of the national women’s selection committee

Lahore, 3 May 2020

To help players learn from the cricket’s elite and remain focused on the game during the Covid-19 lockdown, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has organised online sessions for the Pakistan national women’s team with the legendary Wasim Akram and Babar Azam.

The interactive sessions will be held via videoconference calls in which around 35 women cricketers – current internationals and emerging players – will be provided insights about how to strategize and approach the game in different conditions.

ICC hall of famer and the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket from Pakistan, Wasim Akram, on Monday, will share his experiences and provide an overview about his learnings over the course of his extraordinary 18-year-long international career. Wasim had delivered a similar session to Pakistan men’s and a selection of emerging team players last week.

The session with Babar Azam – whose stratospheric rise has seen him at the top of the T20I rankings, number three in ODI rankings and number five in Test rankings – will be attended by women batters in which the captain of the national men’s T20I side will shed light on the art of batting by sharing how he gears up for different conditions and situations.

Sharing her excitement about the opportunity to learn from Wasim Akram, Aliya Riaz said: “I have grown up watching videos of Wasim Akram and how he brought laurels for Pakistan with both bat and ball from some adverse of situations.

“It is a great opportunity for me and I am eager to learn from the great of the game and understand his work ethic which made him stand apart from the rest.”

Looking forward to the session with Babar Azam, Omaima Sohail said: “Babar Azam is a top batsman and a session with him will help all the batters to understand what makes him different than the others and reflect on how we can continue to improve ourselves.

“I will be looking to hear from Babar how he establishes his innings and navigates during the tough phases. I am sure this session will prove to be helpful.”

Urooj Mumtaz, the chair of the national women’s selection committee, said: “It is extremely important that the players continue to develop during this phase when cricket is on hold and these sessions are certainly going to be beneficial in that aspect.

“We keep looking for ideas to keep the players engaged and motivated. Fitness plans have been provided to both the senior and junior group of players and they have been working at home to ensure they are ready once the situation normalises.”

“Sessions with Wasim Akram and Babar Azam will provide the players an opportunity to listen and learn from the best, helping them in improving their game. Pakistan has produced some of the most extraordinary cricketers in the history of the game and we will continue to bring them on board for the benefit of our players.”
Click to expand...

Why not some of the early heroes in the women's game like world record holder Kiran Buluch who has the highest score in women's Test Cricket in 2004.
 
He is one of the most recognisable figures in world cricket at present. Fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and his iconic wicket-taking salute have taken their place in cricket culture and he has brought along his fair share of adoring young and old fans from his homeland in Jamaica to as far as the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan and Australia.

To say that the last couple of months have been great for the left-arm quick would be an understatement, as the former Jamaica Defence Force soldier was snapped up by the Kings XI Punjab for US$1.2 million, to play in this year’s India Premier League (IPL).

Not to mention, Cottrell has been in the form of his life recently, spearheading the West Indies T20 and ODI attack, claiming 16 wickets this year across the formats, to add to his stellar 2019 when he finished with 31 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 14 in T20s.

All the accolades are currently on the back burner for the left-arm quick, as professional sportsmen have taken a back seat to health workers, doctors and nurses, who are now the heroes on the front line during the current coronavirus global pandemic.

For Cottrell, the IPL riches have been put on hold for now, to focus on more important matters.

“I was really gearing up to put out 110 per cent for my franchise in India but, as my famous slogan goes, ‘Health over Wealth’ any day. It’s a pandemic we are facing and it’s a worldwide thing. So I can’t be selfish. I am not going to look at the money. I have to put my health before anything else and I have to also feel sorry for those who are affected,” said Cottrell.

Things have not always been rosy for the muscular pacer who got his big break back in 2011 when he represented Jamaica before going on to play ‘A’ team cricket for the West Indies.

A good outing saw him getting his first senior West Indies call-up in 2013, where he made his debut against India in Kolkata.

The added workload then saw the dreaded injury bug beginning to creep into the fast bowler’s game during the 2014/2015 season, and the constant battle to stay fit almost ended his young career.

“Starting my career I didn’t take the time to understand my body and there was a point where I got injured every four months, doctors wanted to do surgery on my knee but I refused and decided to fight the battle on my own, I was frustrated and almost quit the game.”

Cottrell added that his military training helped him through the tough times as he was virtually left on his own. He recalled going to the gym every day to train on his own, and during those times, his determination and drive were motivated by his eldest son who was born with autism.

“Just looking at my son and seeing that he was a fighter, that made me push even more and I can tell you to this day, that helped me to overcome those obstacles.”

Fast forward to the present, Cottrell has remained humble and loyal to those that reached out to him during those testing times, and he was quick to mention former West Indies and Jamaica teammate Marlon Samuels, who he said inspired him in his comeback.

“Most people that know me know that Marlon Samuels has been my friend and one of my mentors, he was the one that gave me my break in the Caribbean Premier Leeague for the Antigua Hawksbills and then the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, when I was overlooked, he told me ‘don’t worry I am going to pick you’ and he stuck to his word, I will never forget that.”

For now, Cottrell has been using the downtime to spend with his family. He is, however, still keeping in shape by doing a lot of running daily.

“I don’t want to be caught off guard, because we don’t know when cricket will start again. However, whenever the call is made, I will be ready.”

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/...-bowler-sheldon-cottrell-talks-ipl-and-almost
 
English cricket club Gloucestershire has become the first county to cancel all their overseas signings with Qais Ahmad and Andrew Tye’s deals terminated on Monday.

Ahmad and Tye were due to play for the club during the T20 Blast, with the Afghanistan leg-spinner also set to appear in the County Championship.

The club had previously terminated Cheteswar Pujara’s as he was unable to fulfill the deal after the first seven rounds of the Championship postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and international travel severely limited.

“In order to protect our finances and the Club as best we can we have had to sadly terminate our 2020 season contracts with our three overseas players Cheteshwar Pujara, Qais Ahmad and AJ Tye who was due to join the team later in the Summer,” said chairman John Hollingdale and CEO Will Brown in a joint statement.

“We know how excited we all were at the prospect of seeing both new and returning faces this year and we’re very sorry that this won’t be possible. The delay to the season, the postponement of The Hundred and the later start of the T20 Blast as well as the aforementioned financial pressures meant it just wasn’t feasible to “bring them over” in 2020. We would like to thank all three of them for their support and understanding,” they added.

In a letter to members and supporters, Hollingdale and Brown warned that the Hundred’s postponement meant the club’s revenue streams “will likely drop significantly well into 2021 before they return to normal”.

“One of the potential impacts of the postponement of The Hundred is linked to our Club finances. ECB monies related to broadcast rights will quite possibly suffer without the new tournament and whilst the ECB are doing all they can to support the game and it’s counties there is a chance this pain may come down to the County Network and us as an individual Club. We do, however, remain in a robust position to weather this storm but with the playing and watching of cricket likely to be different from what we’re used to for some time to come. We must be conscious that our revenue streams will likely drop significantly well into 2021 before they return to normal,” they said.

However, last month, the club said it was hopeful that even if no cricket is possible in this season, it expected to break even and “be ready to face the future in a strong financial position when the crisis has passed”. Most of the club’s staff, including players, remain on furlough leave.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...nates-qais-ahmad-andrew-tyes-contracts-928263
 
Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s official charity, the Edgbaston Foundation, has struck a partnership with local charity Thrive Together Birmingham to utilise Edgbaston Stadium as a food sorting and distribution centre that will support local foodbanks and community groups.

With the car park at Edgbaston Stadium already donated to the Department of Health and Social Care to be a COVID-19 drive-through test centre, Thrive Together Birmingham will store non-perishable food within Edgbaston’s Exhibition Hall and it will work with volunteers to sort, repackage and distribute the items to organisations which are supporting those in need.

No food donations can be made on-site at Edgbaston, with the nearby St. Mary and Saint Ambrose Church, on Raglan Road, acting as a collection centre between 11am and 3.30pm every Friday.

Ravi Masih, Head of Community Engagement at Warwickshire CCC and Lead of the Edgbaston Foundation, said: “Since we moved into the forced stadium closure, Club staff have been committed to doing all that we can to make a difference in our local community by providing free use of our stadium and grounds, fundraising for important causes, and through volunteering.

“We’re thrilled that we can build on our community response during this period by working with such a fantastic charity, in Thrive Together Birmingham, to support those in need.”

Fred Rattley CEO of Thrive Together Birmingham, said: ‘‘We are delighted that the Edgbaston Foundation have partnered with Thrive Together Birmingham to collect much needed food to help the Brum Together coalition of organisations providing emergency food to people who are most impacted by COVID-19.”

As a further part of Warwickshire CCC’s community response, its staff have committed to raising funds for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity and the NSPCC’s Childline service in Birmingham through the 2.6 Challenge.
 
How can ICC help in efforts to resume International Cricket?

As football is coming back slowly but is coming back now matches definitely will be played behind close doors Atleast for 5 months or 6 months or more
So don't you guys think icc should also take little steps to resume cricket or training for Atleast now like what Italian football Franchises are doing
 
The discussion is going on resuming cricket from July onwards but if it happens then it will obviously be behind closed doors.

I personally feel that July is too early for cricket to start over again but it will eventually depend on how the scenarios are at that time. The worldwide peak has been crossed and the trend has started going down steadily but the question remains how hard it will be in coming time to ensure that this downward trend stays downward with more restrictions being eased or uplifted.

My bet is that cricket will start from September onwards and it will be behind closed door for atleast some months.
 
The Marylebone Cricket Club Committee has written to its members to tell them there will be no full or partial refunds of their annual membership fees this year.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So last year I got GBS, and have been battling this disease for the past 10 months and I’m only half way through my recovery. I got TB, my liver failed and my kidney failed. Now today I tested positive for corona virus. I don’t understand why all of this is happening to me.</p>— Solo Nicholas Nqweni (@SoloNqweni) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoloNqweni/status/1258338375691571200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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South African cricketer Solo Nqweni contracts COVID-19

Johannesburg [South Africa], May 7 (ANI): South African cricketer Solo Nqweni on Thursday tested positive for the coronavirus, the disease which has brought the world to a standstill.

The all-rounder has been battling Guillan-Barre syndrome since last July. He is the third cricketer known to have contracted the disease after Pakistan's Zafar Sarfraz and Scotland's Majid Haq.

In July 2019, whilst playing club cricket in Scotland, Nqweni was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre, a rare but serious auto-immune disorder whereby the immune system attacks the nervous system.

In February, South African cricketers had donated 50,000 Rand to help the rehabilitation of Nqweni.

Nqweni has played 36 first-class matches for Eastern Province since 2012. He played eight under-19 one-day games for South Africa, three of them at the 2012 under-19 World Cup. (ANI)

https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/...solo-nqweni-contracts-covid-1920200507210316/
 
A cricket museum based in India has bought a bat auctioned by Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali to raise funds for the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Azhar had put two of his precious belongings -- the bat he used to score 302 runs against the West Indies in a Test in 2016 and the jersey he wore during the 2017 Champions Trophy final win over India -- on an online auction to raise funds for the people affected by the deadly disease.

Both the bat and jersey were signed by members of the Pakistan team. Azhar announced on social media that he had kept a base price of one million each for the bat and jersey and they had sold for 2.2 million. He confirmed that Blades of Glory Cricket Museum based in Pune bought the bat by making a winning offer of Rs. 1 million for the bat.

Azhar said that the auction of the shirt also generated a lot of interest and Kash Villani, a Pakistani based in California, came up with the highest bid of Rs. 1.1 million for the shirt before the conclusion of the auction. Another Pakistani based in New Jersey, Jamal Khan also donated Rs. 100,000 for the cause.

“I put two of my closest belongings on auction with base price of 1 million PKR each to support people suffering due to ongoing crisis. Auction starts now and will close on 11:59 PM 05 May, 2020,” Azhar had tweeted. Ali became the first international player to score a test triple century in Day/Night Test when he scored an unbeaten 302 against the West Indies team in UAE in 2016.

“The shirt is from 2017 Champions Trophy which we won, it has the signature of all the players which were present in the squad,” Ali said in a video posted on Twitter. “Both these things are close to my heart but if it can be used in the difficult times for the benefit of the people I will more than happy.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ht-covid-19/story-29F9m3vpKEFXTaowKSI7EM.html
 
Coronavirus: Virat Kohli Says He'll Be Able To Pick Up From Where He Left When Cricket Resumes

India skipper Virat Kohli is in a good frame of mind which gives him the confidence of being able to pick up from where he left as and when cricket resumes in the post-COVID-19 world. The COVID-19 pandemic has shutdown all cricketing activities across the globe and Kohli said though he is keeping himself physically fit, his main focus has been working on the mental aspect of the game. "Well, fortunately, I have all my gym equipment at home, so I am able to train and that's not a problem for me. As far as the game goes, luckily, I am someone who has always been very keen on improving my mental state and not really focuses on practising long hours in the net over a period of time," Kohli said on Star Sport's show Cricket Connected.

"So I know, once I am in a good frame of mind and I am keeping myself positive and happy, just looking forward in life, whenever I return to the game, I know I will be in a good position to start again from where we left."

The health crisis, which has so far killed nearly 2000 people and infected more than 59,000 in India, had forced the government to enforce a national lockdown, which will end on May 17.

Kohli admitted it was not easy in the initial days. "It was a bit tough initially but you start looking at things from a different point of view as the time goes on more and more because eventually, you realise that nothing is in your control," Kohli said.

"So what you can control to an extent is your own mindset and just looking at things with a positive frame of mind and the only good thing is that I have been able to train, the practice was not such a big problem for me even before, so that is what I am doing, I am training, I am keeping fit."

The highly contagious disease also saw the indefinite postponement of the 13th IPL, which was set to start in March.

Kohli said he "absolutely loves" to play in the IPL because it is different from other ICC events in terms of the camaraderie that cricketers of different nationalities share and the connections that the players have with their fans.

"You do play all your tournaments, which is one team versus another, ICC tournaments come every now and then, but even in ICC tournaments, you don't really interact with the other team players or you see the other teams so often every now and then," Kohli said.

"But in the IPL, you are just probably meeting another team every second or third day and that's the beauty of the IPL, you are playing in a different 'mahol' (atmosphere).

"I absolutely love that tournament and also for the camaraderie which you share with so many new players that you play with, so many players that you have known for a long time now, not from your own country, those who you don't see often, and there is one reason why everyone loves the IPL too, there is a connect, of players and fans and of viewers."

Asked about his favourite match apart from 2011 World Cup, Kohli said: "It's a very difficult question because so many matches happen but I think from the point of atmosphere and importance of the match, the quarterfinal match against Australia in 2016 T20 World Cup in Mohali, that was my most favourite match.

"Because that day, we won from a difficult situation and I realized many things about myself."
https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/cor...om-where-he-left-when-cricket-resumes-2226174
 
International cricket has a rather archaic hierarchical system. Only 12 countries are allowed to play Test cricket – the sport’s longest and most prestigious format.

These teams – deemed the best cricket countries – are categorized as Full Members, according to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rather elitist structure.

It is tough to gain full membership. Only three countries - Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland - have been granted the coveted status in more than 25 years. Teams below the top tier are Associate member nations – they get less funding than the elite 12 and fewer opportunities to play against the best.

Only 20 teams currently hold One-Day International status and a mere 10 teams featured in last year’s World Cup. Those not qualifying missed out on a windfall – a prime example being Scotland losing out on the $1 million qualifying fee and potential sponsorship funds of $200,000-300,000.

Associates cricket is cut-throat. Magnified during the tumult of the coronavirus pandemic, which has thrown the sport into chaos and exposed the grim finances of supposedly wealthy cricket nations.

For 12th ODI ranked Netherlands, a leading Associates nation and the best cricket country on mainland Europe, it has been a bitter pill to swallow. This year promised so much marked by being part of the 16-team T20 World Cup starting in October in Australia, which is now under a cloud.

They were supposed to be playing in the new 13-team ODI Super League, the qualifying tournament for the 2023 World Cup, as the sole Associates team having won the World Cricket League Championship three years ago.

Their upcoming home summer was highlighted by a lucrative three-match ODI series against Pakistan in August, which has been cancelled. As has all their other home matches, which also included games against the U.S, with sport banned in the Netherlands until September 1.

“It’s a massive financial loss,” Netherlands coach Ryan Campbell tells me. “Pakistan coming for three ODIs, you’re talking about at least 6000 people coming. We’re not used to having those big games coming every year.

“The Super League was our opportunity to sell our media rights.”

Fortunately, the Netherlands governing body has not been forced into drastic cost cutting measures due to government support. But the nine contracted Dutch players will feel the financial pinch without the kicker of match payments.

It underpins the less glamorous world of cricket beyond powerhouse countries. “Events are so important for Associates cricket,” says Campbell, the former long-time Western Australia batsman/wicketkeeper. “It’s not about just winning or losing, it’s about do you have a job tomorrow. That’s what we have to keep in mind.”

Whenever normality returns, wherever that may be, the Netherlands will be eager to restart. The Pakistan series could be resurrected by playing in Pakistan with international cricket slowly returning to the strife-torn nation in recent years.

“The stakes are so high for Associates countries,” Campbell says. “We would pick the team up and go wherever we can as long as it’s safe and the cricket is good.

“We need to, we have a lot to play for. The U.K. has been affected harshly (by the coronavirus pandemic) but if travel restrictions get lifted, we would catch the train across to play against the counties. We will find a way but it’s hard to plan.”

Off-beat locations could be an option. Sources have told me that Malaysia, which has hosted international cricket previously, could emerge as a cricket hub if the situation continues to stabilize there, while Campbell said Hong Kong might be another option having successfully contained the spread of the virus thus far.

“Hong Kong is another place we would consider,” says Campbell, who coached and played in Hong Kong before moving to the Netherlands. “They know how to deal with pandemics and I know the Hong Kong national team are training, so could be an opportunity.”

The crisis is hoped not to derail the momentum in Dutch cricket with the national team boasting depth marked by a potent bowling line-up led by captain and left-arm spinner Pieter Seelaar. The success of the national team has started to fuel wider mainstream interest in the Netherlands – a country with a rich cricket tradition but a sport totally overshadowed by soccer.

The cancellation of a blockbuster home season – New Zealand were also meant to tour – is an undoubted setback. "So important for us to bring the elite teams to the Netherlands so people can see their heroes on their own turf,” Campbell says.

“To get media rights onto pay TV is going to help too, so kids can see that Dutch cricket is strong and that there is a pathway to become professional.”

There is prevailing fear that Associates cricket – whose development has been emphasized by a more inclusive ICC in recent years – could be somewhat neglected amid the wreckage.

“We (Associates) don’t have a massive voice in the ICC,” Campbell says. “Hopefully common sense prevails in the ICC and self-interests don’t see off the Super League.

“The ICC want cricket to be the most participated game on the planet...we need to keep pushing the boundaries of cricket.

“The Associates is the future of cricket.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trista...n-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/#76029441f644
 
BCCI to contribute INR 51 crore to fight coronavirus pandemic

The BCCI along with its affiliated state associations will contribute INR 51 crore (USD 6.8 million approx.) towards the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) fund to help India fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is first and foremost a public health emergency and the BCCI has a firm resolve that the nation gets all possible help to cope with the testing times," a BCCI release said on Saturday.
 
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday said it will take a call on India and Bangladesh’s upcoming tours to the island nation later this week.

“The two cricket boards (BCCI and BCB) wanted time till May 15 to assess the situation and we have given them that. We will arrive at a collective decision at the end of this week,” said SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva.

India was scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in June-July for three ODIs and as many T20Is while Bangladesh was due to visit in July-August for a three-Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship.

If the tours don’t materialise, it will be the third home series of Sri Lanka to be cancelled in a row because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

England’s tour to Sri Lanka for a three-Test series was cancelled in mid-March after the outbreak of the pandemic in the middle of the second warm up game of the tour.

Sri Lanka went into complete lockdown from March 20, which was eased this week.

Sri Lanka has so far reported over 875 positive coronavirus cases with nine deaths.


https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...ampionships-decision-2020/article31574886.ece
 
Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have agreed to postpone both the Women’s Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International (ODI) Series against South Africa Women, scheduled to begin at the end of the month in Jamaica and Trinidad, as well as the Men’s ‘A’ Team Series scheduled to commence in Antigua in June.

The five-match Women’s series was scheduled prior to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in July, however following South Africa’s automatic qualification (having finished third in the ICC Women’s Championship) and in response to the ICC’s announcement on Tuesday of the postponement of the Women’s Qualifier Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CWI and CSA have agreed to postpone the tour. Additionally, CWI and CSA have also agreed that due to the uncertainty of international travel, quarantine requirements and the health and safety of both teams that the ‘A’ Team tour should also be postponed.

CWI’s CEO Johnny Grave said, “The health and safety of the players and coaching staff is of paramount importance to both CWI and CSA and with the current COVID-19 travel restrictions it is impossible for us to consider both tours taking place as we had originally planned. We are continuing our discussions with CSA on the feasibility of hosting the Men’s tour later this summer and will have further discussions in due course on new dates for the Women’s and ‘A’ Team tours.”

CSA’s acting CEO, Dr. Jacques Faul said, “It is a frustrating state of affairs in which cricket finds itself around the world but there are more important issues that have to be confronted and the wellbeing of our players and support staff must always come first. Both our men’s and women’s national teams are keen to get back on the playing field as soon as possible. They want to build on their recent good results with the men achieving a 3-0 victory over Australia in their recent Momentum ODI series against Australia and our Momentum Proteas women coming so close to reaching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.”

The West Indies Women currently sit in seventh (7th) position in the ICC Women’s Championship. The top three teams from the Women’s Qualifier will qualify to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 due to take place in February in New Zealand.
 
MCC HAS TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE REMAINDER OF ITS OVERSEAS TOURING PROGRAMME FOR 2020 HAS BEEN CANCELLED, DUE TO THE OUTBREAK OF COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS.

The Club had been due to visit the Czech Republic, Nepal, Spain and Uganda later this year, having already toured Argentina and Pakistan in the early part of 2020. However, in the interests of safety for all concerned, the trips will now not take place.

MCC undertakes numerous tours to various countries, usually to those in which cricket is considered a developing sport. In planning these trips, MCC works closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC). This helps to maximise the tours' effectiveness in increasing cricket's international appeal.

The Club’s touring programme normally comprises of four men's tours a year, and one women's tour every other year. The Nepalese tour which was scheduled for later this year was part of the ‘Legacy Tour’ agreement, in partnership with the MCC Foundation.

John Stephenson, MCC Assistant Secretary (Cricket), said: “Whilst it is disappointing that the Club won’t partake in any further overseas tours this year, the decision is both a sensible and practical one, and I am sure that all the Members who were due to represent the Club will understand our position.

“We are fortunate to have already held two successful tours in 2020 and in particular, we hope that the tour to Pakistan in February will be a major factor in encouraging teams to return to play international cricket in the country.”

MCC will announce its touring programme for 2021 later this year.
 
I feel like the game of cricket needs a 1992 style World Cup once the pandemic is over. Every team should play each other twice in the league games leading to semi finals and finals. The revenue could then be shared among all nations.
 
The Indian cricketers, like everyone else, have been confined indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since their tour of New Zealand that ended in February, they haven’t played any competitive cricket meaning it’s been over two months with no match practice.

In fact, they haven’t been able to train properly and to ensure their physical and mental fitness, the BCCI has come up with four-stage programme that has been put under operation for the cricketers.

According to the Times of India, BCCI secretary is reviewing the process on a daily basis.

Here’s a brief explanation of the programme:-

Stage 1: During complete lockdown, each centrally contracted cricketer was presented with a set of questionnaire to understand the facilities accessible to them. Like Mohammed Shami is currently staying in a farmhouse, so he has access to an open field whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar has limited access to due him staying in an apartment as of now. An app has been developed to which only cricketers, coaches and other support staff have access to. Players can log in through it to participate in various online training and interactive sessions.

Daily interactions are being held to keep track of their process. The various coaches (batting, bowling, fielding) are conducting their own sessions. Indian team physiotherapist Nitin Patel and trainer Nick Webb are also organising sessions through the app.

Stage 2: Once some restrictions are lifted, depending on how much movement is allowed in various states, players will be taken to local stadiums and skill-wise training sessions will get underway. The programmes for this have already been prepared, the English daily reported.

Stage 3: When normality resumes, plans are being put into place to allow for the safe movement of players between states to specific centres for skill-based training.

Stage 4: Once action gets underway, BCCI wants each player to be mentally and physically ready.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/arti...team-india-during-coronavirus-lockdown-929539
 
Cricket's road to recovery post Covid-19 crisis

The last couple of months have been challenging for the cricket boards across the globe, with no action due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

While it has forced the cricketers to stay put at home, the boards, too, have suffered financial losses. The future looks bleak with no clarity on when cricketing activities will resume again.

However, a headway could be reached on May 28 after the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Board meeting. All the stakeholders of the affiliated member boards are set to join the meeting via video conferencing to discuss the roadmap and plan a strategy for the future.

“There has been no cricket for two months now. There is no clarity on how things will pan out. The finances too are hit, so we have a lot to discuss,” one of the top officials from a member board told Sportstar.

Former India captain and the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, too is likely to attend the meeting and put forward his views about the road ahead. The meeting could also see the discussions on the successor of Shashank Manohar as independent chairman.

“Being one of the major boards, the BCCI will take every initiative to revive international cricket along with the other boards. There would be some proposals, which need to be discussed,” one of the members in the know of things, said. “A lot of focus will be on the revenue generation model. That’s something all the member boards will be focusing on.”

There is also a cloud of uncertainty over the future of the T20 World Cup in Australia, later this year, and that could be discussed during the all-important meeting. There is also a possibility that the ICC cricket committee could suggest a few recommendations, going ahead.

“It’s too early to comment on anything. All the boards have suffered, so there has to be a collective decision,” a senior BCCI official said, however, making it clear that all the boards need to be ready for the future course of action.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...ay-28-resumption-covid-19/article31584245.ece
 
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s employees have agreed up to 20% in salary reductions due to the impact of Covid-19.

These reductions, which will come into force from 1st June, will affect players and staff across the Club, Yorkshire Cricket Board, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation and Pro Coach.

To ensure that this is apportioned fairly, pay reductions are based on salary, with senior employees taking higher percentage cuts.

On 6th April, a large proportion of staff were placed on furlough leave to ease the financial burden placed on the Club. However, with continued uncertainty over what form cricket will take this summer, further steps have been taken to ensure the Club’s survival.

Mark Arthur, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive said: “We do not take decisions such as these lightly, but now is the time to take drastic steps.

“The staff and players were consulted earlier this week and their reaction to the news has been fantastic. Although these are unprecedented times, as a collective we are doing everything that we can to steer Yorkshire Cricket through these uncharted waters.

“Our focus as custodians of this great Club is to ensure that we guide it through such challenges, and we acknowledge the sacrifices that are required to achieve this.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Members for their patience and considerable understanding.

“We are in regular contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board who are working hard to find ways of staging cricket in a safe environment this summer. When we receive confirmation of what the cricket schedule will look like, we will be in contact with Members and ticket buyers.”
 
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The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) today announced that the country’s professional cricketers will be donating R300 000 to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to assist with distributing food parcels to communities suffering under the COVID-19 pandemic.

In announcing the donation, SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke commented, “the pandemic is having a devastating impact on communities throughout South Africa. Our 315 members, in recognizing this, are committed to doing what they can to alleviate the suffering. A number of players, including Faf du Plessis, Vernon Philander and Temba Bavuma have already dedicated their time and resources to alleviate hardship in their regions.”

“This was an easy decision for the SACA Executive Committee. As professional cricketers, we enjoy the support of all South Africans, and this is a time when we need to show our support for them” added SACA President, Omphile Ramela.

In showing his support, Faf du Plessis stated, “we all need to do what we can to assist our fellow-South Africans – this donation will make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable, and it will hopefully motivate others to make similar contributions.”

In accepting the donation, Gift of the Givers committed to contributing a further R150 000 to the donation received from the players, thus increasing the support to R450 000. The monies will be directed to alleviating poverty amongst children in communities worst hit by the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Gift of the Givers Director, Badr Kazi in thanking the players said “we are honoured to have been chosen to partner SACA in the fight against this global pandemic. It is comforting for many cricket fans to know that their heroes are leading a different type of fight off the pitch - one which encompasses care, compassion and kindness to their fellow citizens. As South Africans, we face stormy and unchartered waters ahead, and our ability to navigate these troubled times means that all tiers of our society need to work together to combat a threat that is bigger than us. Gift of the Givers is extremely grateful to our cricketing citizens for their donation and with equal measure - their generosity of spirit” said Badr Kazi

“The decision by Gift of the Givers to supplement our donation is humbling. As an organisation, they do selfless work throughout South Africa and on behalf of all cricketers in South Africa, we thank them” added Breetzke.

The professional cricketers have also set aside an initial amount of R300 000 to provide relief for members (past and present) who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

“In addition to these initiatives, we are working together with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to establish a fund to support individuals in the wider cricket community and will be looking to make a donation to assist in the establishment of that fund.

We all look forward to the day when we can hear the crack of leather on willow again – but for now, we need to step up and play our part in fighting this pandemic, and the devastating impact it is having on many South Africans” concluded Breetzke.
 
As Indian cricket team gets ready to come out of nearly two-month nationwide lockdown to resume outdoor training, there is a doubt that senior team members - skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma could not join them. As per reports, The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could allow the players to return to training by next week, after the government announces easing down of nationwide restrictions due to Covid-19. But Kohli, and Rohit, who stay in the pandemic-stricken Mumbai, might still have to stay inside their homes, as tough restrictions are still expected to remain in the city.

Speaking in an interview to news agency AFP, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said: “For players like Kohli and Rohit, the restrictions are there in Mumbai and might stay.”

Also read: Bangladesh opener reveals why Virat Kohli doesn’t sledge him anymore

The BCCI official further added that after the easing down of lockdown, the players might return for “some skill-based training” outdoors in several parts of the country.

He further added that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore is being prepared to carry out the post-lockdown plan for the players, so that it can be adapted according to the restrictions in place.

“As of now we are working, given the lockdown restrictions, through apps and online modes. The coaches and support staff are regularly in touch with the players,” said Dhumal. “Everybody would be keen to hit the ground and the idea is whenever we are ready for cricket to resume, they (the players) are able to give their 100 percent.”

India are scheduled to play a series against Sri Lanka in July, but it is expected to be called off.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ci-official/story-TgEC9jqodMzKl4T77n3fPP.html
 
The purpose of the following guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take to remain safe while undertaking exercise in an outdoor cricket club environment.

These guidelines currently apply to England only. Lockdown restrictions remain in place in Wales with a review due to take place on 28 May 2020.

These guidelines have been produced in line with the UK Government guidance on public spaces, outdoor activity and exercise published on 11 May 2020, which can be read here. Supporting guidance published on 13 May 2020 can be found here.

All activity should be consistent with the Government guidance regarding health, social distancing and hygiene.

In ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’, the UK Government stated that team sports should not be played outside of a household.

ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise as set out in our detailed guidance document.

Our primary and ongoing goal is to protect the health of everyone in and around the game.

The adjusted lockdown restrictions provide an opportunity for the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise.

Summary of guidelines for outdoor cricket facilities use
In summary:

You can exercise outdoors on your own, with members of your household or with one other person from outside your household while keeping two metres apart at all times. You must only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless you are exercising exclusively with members of your household.
Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (unless all participants are members of the same household).
Only one-to-one coaching is permitted per session.
Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc are to remain closed for general use.
Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided.
No indoor activity at all.
We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment.
No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball at any time.
Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.
ECB is clear that outdoor facilities should only reopen if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely, following public health guidance: no club should reopen their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the requirements.

Clubs
For clubs, you will need to have the following in place:

Properly maintained facilities.
A booking system for outdoor space or other means to manage access and demand.
The capability to advise individuals when booking to check for symptoms of COVID-19 and in turn to advise individuals when booking that - in line with current Government guidance - if they are symptomatic, living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if they are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, they should remain at home and follow Government guidance.
A sanitation procedure between use/bookings.
A representative of the club on site during the hours that the outdoor facilities are open for use.
Closed signs should be displayed when facilities are not open (including where a club does not wish to or is not ready to reopen) to deter use by general public particularly where there is open access.
Updated signage and access points.

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1668576/...use-of-outdoor-cricket-facilities-in-lockdown
 
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Competitive cricket is set to resume in Australia for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic struck the globe when the Darwin and District Cricket Competition season begins with a T20 tournament from June 6.

The cricketers will not be allowed to use sweat or saliva to shine the ball in the competition and Darwin Cricket Management (DCM) group is exploring various options, including having umpires involved in ball-shining using a wax applicator.

Clubs will be required to complete a Covid-19 safety plan assessment and submit it to the Northern Territory Government before they can play. Some details are still being worked out with Cricket Australia, according to a report on cricket.com.au.

“The ICC is working really closely with all the cricket bodies around the world in terms of finding new ways,” DCM chair Lachlan Baird told ABC Grandstand.

“We’re confident we will haver clear guidelines from CA with what is and isn’t going to be allowed.”

“Some consideration is now being given to whether things like that wax applicator will become part of cricket’s new normal. And whether it will move way from the ball being shined a dark mysterious art that happens in the outfield to a more formalised process that happens with the umpires being involved.”

The use of wax would contravene current regulations unless a change is approved by the ICC, but would be a far safer and hygienic process amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood strongly feel shining the red ball is imperative to keep a balance between bat and ball.

Ball manufacturer Kookaburra last month suggested using a pocket-sized sponge applicator. It could either be applied by umpires or simply overseen by them.

https://indianexpress.com/article/s...t-to-resume-in-australia-from-june-6-6413923/
 
MenInG said:
Competitive cricket is set to resume in Australia for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic struck the globe when the Darwin and District Cricket Competition season begins with a T20 tournament from June 6.

The cricketers will not be allowed to use sweat or saliva to shine the ball in the competition and Darwin Cricket Management (DCM) group is exploring various options, including having umpires involved in ball-shining using a wax applicator.

Clubs will be required to complete a Covid-19 safety plan assessment and submit it to the Northern Territory Government before they can play. Some details are still being worked out with Cricket Australia, according to a report on cricket.com.au.

“The ICC is working really closely with all the cricket bodies around the world in terms of finding new ways,” DCM chair Lachlan Baird told ABC Grandstand.

“We’re confident we will haver clear guidelines from CA with what is and isn’t going to be allowed.”

“Some consideration is now being given to whether things like that wax applicator will become part of cricket’s new normal. And whether it will move way from the ball being shined a dark mysterious art that happens in the outfield to a more formalised process that happens with the umpires being involved.”

The use of wax would contravene current regulations unless a change is approved by the ICC, but would be a far safer and hygienic process amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Australia fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood strongly feel shining the red ball is imperative to keep a balance between bat and ball.

Ball manufacturer Kookaburra last month suggested using a pocket-sized sponge applicator. It could either be applied by umpires or simply overseen by them.

https://indianexpress.com/article/s...t-to-resume-in-australia-from-june-6-6413923/
Click to expand...

Good decision by CA. Bowlers need to shine the ball. Hopefully small practical steps lead to some cricket in few months time
 
BoomBoomCricket said:
The purpose of the following guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take to remain safe while undertaking exercise in an outdoor cricket club environment.

These guidelines currently apply to England only. Lockdown restrictions remain in place in Wales with a review due to take place on 28 May 2020.

These guidelines have been produced in line with the UK Government guidance on public spaces, outdoor activity and exercise published on 11 May 2020, which can be read here. Supporting guidance published on 13 May 2020 can be found here.

All activity should be consistent with the Government guidance regarding health, social distancing and hygiene.

In ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’, the UK Government stated that team sports should not be played outside of a household.

ECB maintains the position that all recreational cricket remains suspended until further notice, with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise as set out in our detailed guidance document.

Our primary and ongoing goal is to protect the health of everyone in and around the game.

The adjusted lockdown restrictions provide an opportunity for the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise.

Summary of guidelines for outdoor cricket facilities use
In summary:

You can exercise outdoors on your own, with members of your household or with one other person from outside your household while keeping two metres apart at all times. You must only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless you are exercising exclusively with members of your household.
Social distancing of at least two metres must be maintained at all times (unless all participants are members of the same household).
Only one-to-one coaching is permitted per session.
Nets should be used on an ‘every other’ basis, leaving one net free between nets.
Clubhouses can be reopened in a limited way for operational reasons (e.g. for access to first aid equipment) or for toilet access (see below) but all communal areas including bar, changing rooms etc are to remain closed for general use.
Toilet facilities can be opened if the venue wishes, but particular care should be taken by those using them and those cleaning them. Where they are open, venues must ensure soap and water is provided.
No indoor activity at all.
We recommend using your own equipment if possible. If equipment is being shared, please follow UK Government’s guidance on the sharing of equipment.
No saliva or sweat should come into contact with the ball at any time.
Wash hands at home before and after using the outdoor facilities. Bring your own hand sanitiser where possible.
ECB is clear that outdoor facilities should only reopen if those responsible for them are ready to do so and they can do so safely, following public health guidance: no club should reopen their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the requirements.

Clubs
For clubs, you will need to have the following in place:

Properly maintained facilities.
A booking system for outdoor space or other means to manage access and demand.
The capability to advise individuals when booking to check for symptoms of COVID-19 and in turn to advise individuals when booking that - in line with current Government guidance - if they are symptomatic, living in a household with a possible COVID-19 infection or if they are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds, they should remain at home and follow Government guidance.
A sanitation procedure between use/bookings.
A representative of the club on site during the hours that the outdoor facilities are open for use.
Closed signs should be displayed when facilities are not open (including where a club does not wish to or is not ready to reopen) to deter use by general public particularly where there is open access.
Updated signage and access points.

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/1668576/...use-of-outdoor-cricket-facilities-in-lockdown
Click to expand...

Nets allowed in the UK
 
Welcome news for struggling cricket clubs around New Zealand – a fund has been made available by ANZ Bank New Zealand to assist with their recovery from the COVID19-imposed hiatus.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has hailed the ANZ Good Sports Grants, which pledges $1 million to support the return of grassroots cricket and netball, as “a hugely generous offer of support, and a significant shot in the arm for the community game”

“NZC views community cricket as an absolute priority and this generosity from ANZ NZ will make a real difference to clubs and club cricketers throughout the country,” said Mr White.

“I can’t really overstate this point - the grassroots part of the game represents the life and blood of our sport and its health is critical to the future of cricket at all levels, including the BLACKCAPS and the WHITE FERNS.

“ANZ NZ has been a long-time supporter of cricket, and sport in general, and this programme just re-emphasises that, helping ensure our local teams and younger players get out on the field in the 2020-21 season.

“We’re very grateful for the assistance. We know circumstances are tough for families and clubs and that this support will make a significant and immediate difference.”

ANZ NZ has had longstanding relationships with both NZC and Netball New Zealand and ANZ NZ CEO Antonia Watson said conversations with each sporting body highlighted how badly community sport had been impacted in recent months.

“For most New Zealanders, life as we knew it stopped a few months ago, and that included Kiwi kids’ Saturday morning sport,” she said.

“As New Zealand moves down the Covid-19 Alert Levels and we return to a more familiar way of life, it’s important to help kids back into their team sport and physical activity.

“We worked with NZC and Netball New Zealand to create a community grant programme as they both told us community clubs would be facing different challenges as they get back up and running again

“In response we created the ANZ Good Sport Cricket and Netball Grant programme committing $1 million to help local teams and clubs return to the games they enjoy.”

All local netball and cricket clubs or teams can apply for support through the ANZ grant. They can apply for cricket equipment or apply for funding to help with team registration fees, rent or even ground maintenance.
 
'Horribly wrong': Players' boss condemns Cricket Australia's virus response

The chairman of the Australian Cricketers Association has taken aim at Cricket Australia’s slash and burn approach to combating the impact of the coronavirus, fearing it will "have disastrous long-term consequences on the health of the game".

Greg Dyer, the former Test wicketkeeper, has been closely involved in talks between his players union and head office since CA chief executive Kevin Roberts warned last month cricket was headed down a slippery financial slope unless it took urgent action.

That has included the standing down of most of CA’s staff on 20 per cent pay until the end of June and the flagging of redundancies at Jolimont, as well as a drive to have state associations accept a 25 per cent cut to their distributions, leading to job losses around the country.

Two states, NSW and Queensland, continue to resist attempts to have their grants cut, disputing CA's cash projections as confidence grows about India touring this summer. They also rejected Roberts' warning that the game was on course to be out of money by August.

The players association has taken much the same position and its long-time figurehead on Monday weighed in personally on cricket's controversial response to COVID-19, saying it demonstrated that the "overly centralised" and "costly" structure of the game needed addressing.

"That at the first sign of a headwind, states are being asked to take significant cuts, which are in turn filtering down to local cricket, suggests that something is horribly wrong with the current model," Dyer wrote in an article posted on the ACA website.
"This is a critical time for the game – it can either take the approach of looking to cut as many so-called 'costs' as it can from its balance sheet, something that will have disastrous long-term
consequences on the health of the game; or it can realign so that the game’s partners (actually, its ‘shareholders’- the states) have greater voice and autonomy than the mere ‘subsidiaries’ they
currently resemble."

Dyer is particularly unhappy with plans to cut costs in domestic cricket, including a reduction in length of the Sheffield Shield, first forecast by the Herald this month, and the Women’s Big Bash League next season.

CA hopes to convince players of the merits of the changes in continuing talks about scheduling but with the likes of Alyssa Healy and Trent Copeland having already voiced their opposition, they will be difficult to budge.

Reflecting a view expressed by the ACA to the Longstaff review two years ago, Dyer believes Australia’s expensive high-performance system should be decentralised and the Shield should be restored to its former glory to intensify competition. He argues administrators risk wasting a chance to capitalise on the timing of the virus outbreak - it has shut the world down in Australian cricket's off-season - if they slice into state and local resources rather than further investing in them.
"Now is the not the time to diminish the game," he wrote. “From [the proposed cut from 10 to eight rounds] one can only determine that the 128-year-old Sheffield Shield is regarded not as an asset of the game, one that has served cricket so proudly, but rather as a cost that sits alongside corporate travel and office supplies.

“Cricket Australia has the opportunity to put in place effective plans for cricket to return even more vital than before – and a properly formatted, properly funded first-class game is an important investment in achieving this – as is paying greater respect and listening to its players and state associations at the coalface."

While CA and the ACA are at odds over the sport's response to the global health crisis, they have found some common ground on the players' contracts.

The Herald reported last month that the union had suggested players be placed on percentage-based retainers to allow their wages to be adjusted more smoothly if there is a significant fall in the game's revenue over the summer. CA has accepted that proposal and the percentage model will be built into players' contracts for 2020/21.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...stralia-s-virus-response-20200518-p54u1c.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
too much money being paid to high performing executives and performance managers then investing in grassroots level cricket. The suits in CA have not managed things well.
 
The NPO, Muslim Association of South Africa (MASA), together with the Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) and Imperial Lions delivered 2500 food parcels to the poverty stricken community of Cosmo City today.

“Our target was to pack and distribute 1000 parcels,” says Head of Communication for Central Gauteng Lions and Imperial Lions: Wanele Mngomezulu.

“We are absolutely at a loss for words as to how our team, our community, our fans and the MASA rallied together today to donate 2500 food parcels. The pandemic knows no race, gender, communities, age group nor creed.

“Whether it was our CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright, or our players, staff, or technical team: Today we filled some bellies and warmed some hearts by showing that we really do care and we will get through this challenge.

“Our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the volunteers, SAPC, JMPD, SANDF, Community Leaders, Councillors, and the community at large for welcoming us.”

Chairman of the Muslim Association of South Africa Yaseen Theba says that the distribution in Cosmo City where 2500 food hampers were delivered is testament to what is possible when people unite.

“Working together with the Central Gauteng Lions and Imperial Lions team and other organizations is proof that there is so much which can be done, the time for swift and determined action is now.”

Theba says that an immediate response was needed on the ground since the COVID-19 lockdown began.

“We took early action to avert a sharp rise in hunger, poverty and disease as a result of the pandemic and the associated economic and social impacts.”

“The Central Gauteng Lions looks forward to the continued partnership with the Muslim Association of South Africa,” concluded Jono Leaf-Wright, Central Gauteng Lions and Imperial Lions CEO.
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has outlined plans to get the game moving again in dealing with the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented.

International sport around the world has been at a standstill for nearly two months, with the industry now looking at ways of re-opening again.

In a Tele-press Conference that featured CSA’s Acting Chief Executive, Dr Jacques Faul, Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, as well as South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) CEO, Andrew Breetzke, some of the strategies to help kickstart the sport again in the country were revealed.

Amongst the key announcements was a Support Fund to help those in distress during the current climate as well as ongoing plans for the Proteas to host India in the coming months.

“The board approved a four-pillar strategy on 15 May and that gives effect to a few things,” Faul outlined. “The first one is that we will have a support fund, which we will be rolling out.

“It’s a fund that will provide support to people within the cricket industry and also to the most vulnerable South Africans. We have to use our voice as cricket and also co-ordinate the efforts of some of our players that are already involved in this work.

“Then we will continue to engage with our stakeholders, and I want to thank Andrew for sharing this telecon with us. We are continuing to engage the major role players and that includes SACA. I want to thank them for the amount of work they are doing towards the duty of care towards the players during lockdown and their efforts at the time of this ongoing crisis.”

SACA’s Chief Executive, Breetzke, added: “We’re at a crucial juncture where the future of the game is at stake, so it’s important that SACA works with CSA in the best interests of the game and that goes for all the stakeholders. So, this is what we are doing at the moment.”

Faul also spoke positively about discussion that have been taking place to play against India but added that a lot of that planning revolved around the lockdown and what the government of South Africa would and would not allow. That tour is scheduled for late August.

“We had a telecon with India yesterday (Wednesday) and we are encouraged by their willingness to honour their agreement to play the three T20s in August, and if it’s postponed then maybe a bit later,” the CEO said. “I would also like to thank the ECB for engaging with us to make sure we follow the right protocols should we play in a bio-secure environment.

“We are engaging via SASCOC with the Minister (of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa). We are in the process of seeking an audience with the Minister to get permission if needed to play behind closed doors and this will relate to the possibility of the India tour and other incoming tours.

“We’re trying to be innovative because it is an important tour to us.

“Leading to that, a lot of good work is being done by Dr. Manjra, who heads up our COVID-19 steering committee. We continue to take guidance from him. A lot of work is being done in terms of scenario planning.”

DoC Smith, meanwhile, confirmed that the India tour was not the only one they were working on. “We’re engaging with the West Indies Cricket Board regarding tours that have been postponed and the FTP,” he said. “We’re trying to find opportunities post their (West Indies) tour to England to see how we can fit that series in, whether it is a neutral ground or wherever we are permitted to play. We’ll have to see where we sit towards August and what the restrictions are on international cricket.”
 
There is no medical reason cricket cannot safely return right now

There is no medical reason cricket should be canceled. Unlike football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, etc, cricket is a sport that can easily adapt to the covid crisis. Here is how it can be done:

1.) No fans in stadiums, obviously
2.) All fielding players and umpires to wear a surgical mask.
3.) Batsmen should be strongly encouraged to wear masks but not required if they feel it is interfering with their ability to run
4.) Fast Bowlers can refrain from wearing a mask during the time they are bowling but should put it back on after their over is complete. Spinners should be able to keep it on since their run-up is short.
5.) Batsmen should stay 6 feet away from each other, ie don't go to the middle between overs and pat each other on the back, etc. Just stand a little further apart.
6.) When celebrating a wicket, no need to get in a tight huddle. You can still get together with your team but keep your distance.
7.) With no fans in the stands, the coaches and inactive players should not be confined to the dugouts but instead spread themselves out in the stands. Everyone not playing should have a mask on.
8.) Additional buses should be rented so players can be spread out during transport to and from the hotel rooms

Unlike other contact sports where players are directly touching each other, cricket is already played relatively socially distanced. With a few more adjustments, the game can go on safely, providing entertainment to the masses and a welcome distraction for players and fans alike.

Please share your thoughts. And in case people are curious, yes I am a medical doctor and I have taken care of several covid patients in the last few months.
 
Ok given you have stated that you are a medical doctor, I am not going to argue with you over the technical aspects but I am just curious to how players who will be sweating on the field will be able to keep masks on? Wont they be rendered useless with the sweat?

We also know that the efficacy of the mask gets depleted very quickly if its touched by hands etc - bowler taking it on and off - obviously cannot give to umpire, so puts in his pocket or slides it down etc - all of these actions cannot help in protect. They might as well not wear it on the field.

Think what could work (if the 10 minute test kit is available) is for each player to going into the field to be tested at start of play and then move on from there.
 
Cricket risks being "forgotten" the longer it goes without being played, says Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer.

Playing the game at all is on hold in Scotland until at least 1 August, and no league or national cup competitions will take place in 2020.

Coetzer fears people could be lost to the game, but does not think Scotland will fall behind other nations.

"Any sport that isn't getting any headlines will slowly but surely start to be forgotten in some ways," he said.

"People who are playing at the grassroots may well just decide 'well, we are not playing this year' and some might just decide 'well, actually I am not going to bother coming back'. You just hope that isn't the case."

Scotland games with NZ called off
No cricket in Scotland until 2021
Coetzer's Scotland side should have been preparing for next month's one day and T20 internationals with New Zealand in Edinburgh, but both have been postponed because of the pandemic.

The national team's proposed capital date with Australia on 29 June seems likely to face a similar fate, as do matches in July with Nepal and Namibia.

And the captain admits missing out on such high-profile games would be "a huge blow" to a Scotland side continually fighting to establish itself at the sport's top table.

"These opportunities don't come round every year and playing those games gives the whole cricketing public in Scotland real hope," Coetzer said.

"I don't think cricket in Scotland will fall behind - I think everyone is pretty much in the same place give or take a bit of finance. We will be as eager as any other team to keep pushing forward."

Scotland have already qualified for October's T20 World Cup in Australia, but it is unclear if the event will go ahead or if any fans will be in attendance.

Coetzer says moving it to a later date would seem sensible but, at the age of 36, he knows his chances of playing in such competitions are dwindling.

However, the International Cricket Council's associate player of the year believes he has still got plenty to achieve in a Scotland shirt.

"We have full member status on the horizon, which is something that is massively on my agenda," he said. "And I would love to play in a couple more World Cups.

"I keep proving myself wrong by doing things that I didn't think I was capable of and that is a very special thing. I can see myself managing another few years yet anyway."

Source BBC
 
19 MARCH, 2020 11:43 IST

Australia’s ODI skipper Aaron Finch has said that his country’s cricketers risk getting a massive financial jolt if the IPL and their home season are halted by the COVID-19 pandemic but they have to accept the situation as “we’re all in this together“.

Cricket Australia has already said that it may review the NOCs given to the players for IPL and now the government has imposed unprecedented travel restrictions, which are likely to jeopardise the Australian players’ participation in the postponed T20 league. The event which was to start on March 29, has now been set for April 15.

“That’s the risk you take when you have the revenue-share model, when the organisation takes a hit then so do we. We understand we’re all in this together,” Finch told radio station SEN.

“I’m sure in the long run, everything will be back to normal at some stage. It’s just hard to say when.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a blanket “do not travel overseas” advisory that will remain in place indefinitely, to help contain the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 17 cricketers have lucrative IPL contracts and a number of off-field positions are also at stake. Australia is also scheduled to host India for a Test series and the men’s T20 World Cup later this year.

Finch, who was scheduled to join India skipper Virat Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, acknowledged the travel advisory and expressed helplessness in this extraordinary situation.

“We’ve never seen anything like this. That (travel advice) has changed over the last couple of hours. That could change in two weeks or three weeks, it’s hard to plan anything,” he said.

“But it’s just about making sure everyone around you personally is safe and you’re doing everything you can to stop the spread.”

Pacer Pat Cummins had become the highest-paid cricketer during the IPL auction while Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell also grabbed lucrative deals.

Ricky Ponting is head coach of the Delhi Daredevils, while current men’s team assistant coach Andrew McDonald has the reins for the Rajasthan Royals.
 
MenInG said:
Ok given you have stated that you are a medical doctor, I am not going to argue with you over the technical aspects but I am just curious to how players who will be sweating on the field will be able to keep masks on? Wont they be rendered useless with the sweat?

We also know that the efficacy of the mask gets depleted very quickly if its touched by hands etc - bowler taking it on and off - obviously cannot give to umpire, so puts in his pocket or slides it down etc - all of these actions cannot help in protect. They might as well not wear it on the field.

Think what could work (if the 10 minute test kit is available) is for each player to going into the field to be tested at start of play and then move on from there.
Click to expand...

the key thing to remember that it is not masks that prevents the spread of covid 19. it is close contact with other infected people. if i have covid 19 and i cough or sneeze directly at your face standing right next to you, there is a high chance you will get it as well. doesn't matter if you have a mask on or not. so the mask is just an insurance policy, and not a great one at that. we are all doing it because it's the best option we have. but the main thing is social distancing. that's why you keep hearing about it. but cricket is already a socially distant sport. it is played spread out over a giant field with players standing far apart from one another. it is easy to modify the parts of the game where players do come together for a period of time to celebrate wickets, centuries, etc.

sure you can test everyone every day before they come onto the field. but that is using a lot of resources. also keep in mind the text is not perfect. depending on what brand of test you are using some have false negative rate of < 0.1% and others have a false negative rate of ~30%.
 
there seems to be very little interest in this subject which is quite surprising. I thought more people would be interested in this
 
adil_909 said:
there seems to be very little interest in this subject which is quite surprising. I thought more people would be interested in this
Click to expand...

Slow pace of development. ICC has revealed almost no information in the 2+ months of the pandemic. And for once you can't blame ICC incompetence because NBA, NHL, MLB hasn't said anything definitive either. In fact, if the WI tour of England goes through as it seems likely to, cricket will actually be ahead of the American leagues.
 
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury "spin bowling consultant Daniel Vettori has informed our cricket operations committee that we should donate a specific part of his salary to the BCB's low-income staff"
 
Saj said:
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury "spin bowling consultant Daniel Vettori has informed our cricket operations committee that we should donate a specific part of his salary to the BCB's low-income staff"
Click to expand...
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] Is the series between Pakistan/England confirmed ? and will it be on Sky ? look forward to it
 
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