What's new

COVID-19 and the impact on cricket

Professional cricket set to resume in new COVID-19 world
The stage is set for one of New Zealand’s most hotly contested first-class cricket championships in years, albeit under new COVID-19 playing conditions.

Other than six players currently in the UAE for the IPL, all of NZC’s contracted BLACKCAPS will turn out for their domestic teams for the first half of the Plunket Shield — which begins at Eden Park Outer Oval, Seddon Park and the Basin Reserve on October 19.

Despite the stellar cast, entry to the 107th edition of the national title-hunt will remain free to the public.

NZC today revealed the schedules for the historic eight-round first-class championship, together with New Zealand’s twin one-day national competitions: the men’s Ford Trophy and women’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. All will feature new playing conditions this season to mitigate risks posed by the COVID-19 virus, and to protect the safety of players and match officials.

NZC Head of Cricket Operations Richard Brewer said NZC had adopted the majority of the ICC’s COVID-19 regulations — which many cricket followers will have already seen in effect in this year’s northern hemisphere summer.

“This means New Zealand domestic players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball, and umpires will no longer hold the players’ caps or other items of clothing,” said Brewer.

“The new rules also allow for the replacement of players displaying symptoms of COVID-19 during a match, with the option for the player to return to the game following a negative result.

“These measures will be overseen by the Match Referee and Match Officials, and have already been successfully piloted in pre-season warm-up fixtures between domestic men’s sides.”

Four rounds of Plunket Shield will be played before Christmas, ushering the championship to its midway point before players swap their whites for the coloured clothing of high summer.

The Wellington Firebirds will begin their championship defence at home against Canterbury while last season’s runners-up the Central Stags will need to be close to their best early in the season with tough away fixtures against Northern Districts and the Auckland Aces — each likely to be teeming with BLACKCAPS.

Six rounds of the 10-round Ford Trophy will then unfold ahead of the Super Smash holiday season window, and will test the depth of the squads as international stars and next-tier players disperse for national duty.

In a change from the past two summers, the centralised Lincoln rounds have been replaced by teams playing each other twice in the space of three days at each host venue.

The Ford Trophy notches its 40th year as a round robin this season and the business end will come when the competition resumes in mid-February. The last four rounds will no doubt determine which sides meet in the midweek 2 v 3 Elimination Final on March 3, followed by the Grand Final on Friday March 5 which will also be live on Spark Sport.

Whilst the Plunket Shield begins in just under a fortnight, the women’s Domestic summer begins a month later on November 21 with the first of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield’s traditional back-to-back weekend games and a swathe of WHITE FERNS available.

All teams will play six rounds of one-dayers before Christmas and the Super Smash, and their last four rounds in February and March will seal who gets to contest the 2020-21 Grand Final on March 28.

Said Brewer, “After the impact of COVID-19 on the back end of last season, I think we all feel truly grateful to be able to play sport, and offer New Zealanders the chance to see so many quality players and matches this summer.

“We’re hoping the chance for the community to come together and enjoy live sport again will spur more people to pop down to enjoy the action in person, particularly with so many matches falling on a weekend.”
 
CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today announced the fixtures for the three revised franchise competitions for the 2020/21 season as well as the senior provincial fixtures for both men and women.

As previously announced the franchises will play a T20 competition in addition to the Momentum One-Day Cup and the CSA Four-Day Franchise Series following the decision to postpone the Mzansi Super League.

The franchise season will start in the first week of November while provincial cricket for both men and women will start at the beginning of January.

“We are pleased that no matches have been reduced despite the late start to the season,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Kugandrie Govender. “Both the four-day series and the Momentum One-Day Cup will have the six competing teams divided into two pools of three teams each. They will play a double round of fixtures against teams in their own pool and a single round of cross-pool matches.

“This provides for a minimum of seven matches for each franchise and these will be followed by a five-day final at the conclusion of the CSA Four-Day Franchise Series contested by the two teams topping its respective pool. In the Momentum One-Day Cup after the conclusion of the preliminary round teams ending 1st. and 2nd. in each pool will contest a cross-pool semi-final each with the respective winners progressing through to the final.

“The T20 competition will be played over a single round (5 matches) with the top two teams qualifying for the final.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of our domestic system and the important role it plays in our talent development pipeline for the Proteas. One only has to look at the number of players who made successful international debuts in the three formats last season,” concluded Govender.
 
Cricket Australia statementCricket Australia would like to acknowledge and thank ACA Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson for his service to Australian Cricket after the news of his resignation today.

Nick Hockley, CA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer said: “What has been clear in his six years leading the ACA is Alistair’s commitment to not only the players, but the game we all love.”

“Alistair has made a significant contribution during his time at the ACA, and whilst our time together has been brief, I have enjoyed working closely and constructively with him to ensure we collectively advance the interests of the game.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Alistair until he finishes up at the end of the year and on behalf of Australian Cricket, we wish him all the very best for the future.”
 
Sri Lanka Cricket is confident that international cricket will resume in the country by January next year with SLC set to host England for two Test matches. The two Tests, part of the World Test Championship, were set to be played in March this year but the tour had to be postponed after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. England had been in Sri Lanka for around ten days when they were forced to return home ahead of the opening Test match in Galle.

It was expected that international cricket will return to the island this month as Bangladesh were set to play three Tests. However, there was dispute about the days the tourists would do quarantine and the series was once again postponed.

There is a two week mandatory quarantine period for those who come into the country. While England and Wales Cricket Board is unlikely to agree to this measure, SLC is confident of getting a shorter quarantine period.

“Ideally, what we are looking at is one week’s quarantine and then get the players and support staff into a bubble and let them resume training. I am pretty sure we would be able to work out something like that,’ an official privy to negotiations told The Island.

“We will discuss the matter with Health Ministry when the time is right. This is not the time to approach them for obvious reasons,” he added.

Originally, England were set to play the two Tests in Galle and Colombo but now Dambulla has been earmarked as the venue for both Tests.

SLC will book an entire hotel and accommodate both teams, match officials and others involved in the series putting everyone in a bubble.

This means Dambulla will become Sri Lanka’s latest Test cricket venue. The popular cricket ground has only hosted one-dayers since it was built in in 2001. Incidentally, England played the first game at this venue.

What this also means is that there will be no international cricket played in Sri Lanka in 2020. This year SLC was set to host India, South Africa and Bangladesh apart from England. They were also set to host the Asia Cup. All those tours have now been postponed.

Sri Lanka are set to tour South Africa in December but officials said that it is unlikely this tour will take place.

https://island.lk/slc-confident-england-tour-will-go-ahead/
 
Sri Lanka head coach Mickey Arthur is “really positive” about the prospects of hosting England’s Test tour early next year, warning international cricket cannot afford to sustain a winter of postponements.

England aborted their original two-match trip in March, flying home from Colombo as concerns over the coronavirus pandemic spiralled.

There is a window at the start of January for the rescheduled series to take place but the Sri Lankan Government’s insistence on a 14-day solitary quarantine period, which would preclude training, saw Bangladesh pull out of a proposed visit this month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board would be unlikely to commit to similar demands but there is optimism that more lenient requirements could be agreed, allowing England to train at the remote stadium in Dambulla during their two-week quarantine.

A recent outbreak associated to a clothing factory has seen a temporary tightening of restrictions but Arthur, who has been in Sri Lanka for the duration of the crisis, believes it will soon be time to take the next step.

“We had two months of total lockdown – proper lockdown – meaning solitary confinement and the army outside patrolling the streets. But after all that we sit here in a country that is basically normalised,” he told the PA news agency.

“The Government has done a remarkable job. We have been able to go out, go to a restaurant or sip a gin and tonic on the Galle Face, but we’ve had no international cricket.

“We need to get cricket back up and running otherwise we may as well shut the whole thing down and wait for a vaccine. I’m really positive. I’m hoping we can fulfil our fixtures in South Africa come December and then have England over here to start a really busy 2021.

“Here in Sri Lanka there is a strong drive to get the game going, from the CEO to the president, everyone shares the sentiment.”

Few coaches are as well-versed in the demands of international cricket as Arthur, who has previously led his native South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and was under consideration for the England job last year.

His conclusions now are that the network will start to fracture if series continue to fall off the calendar and compromise TV rights packages.

“We are an industry that needs to be playing, and being broadcast, to keep the lifeblood of the game going,” he said.

“We have to do it or boards are going to be put under more and more pressure. Already we can look at the sight of people losing jobs at the ECB and Cricket Australia and it’s really sad.

“I understand the bigger picture and I’m not here to push cricket from the rooftop – people are losing their lives and losing their jobs out there – but from a cricket sense we need to play.”

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/mickey-arthur-says-sri-lanka-110443519.html
 
England legspinner Sarah Glenn has said a stranger bumped into her and laughed and a week later, she got infected with coronavirus. Glenn was recently announced as the England woman cricketer of the year.

Glenn had returned from Australia after taking part in the T20 World Cup when the coronanvirus-forced lockdown began in England in April. And she suspects to have contracted the virus after getting out of the house to buy essentials one day.

“I had to get out of the house one day and we needed a food shop so I offered. I came across this bloke who bumped into me and laughed. I think he was drunk. Me and the lady at the till were in shock,” Glenn told The Telegraph.

“I felt really uncomfortable. It was my first and only shopping experience in lockdown and it was awful. He bumped into me again, so I walked out. I came home so angry. I said to my parents, ‘If I get ill next week I’m going to be fuming’. And there I was next week in bed. It was not great,” she added.

The 21-year-old said she gets angry when young people claim they won’t get the virus. “It really opened my eyes and I start to get angry when young people say, ‘Oh we will be fine’. No. I’m a fit young athlete and I was a bit worried. I had a couple of bad nights so I get annoyed by that. I did not realise how much it affected your lungs and it took me a long time to get over it,” she said.

Currently isolating in a hotel in Adelaide, Glenn is gearing up for the Women’s Big Bash League.
 
Sourav Ganguly says BCCI are planning to start domestic cricket from January 1, 2021

There may be a truncated domestic cricket season in India in the time of Covid-19.

“We have had extensive discussions on domestic cricket and we have tentatively decided to start the competitions from January 1, 2021,” Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly told PTI after an apex council meeting on Saturday.

The season is likely to start with the Ranji Trophy. One of the officials who attended the meeting said it could be stretched till June with most tournaments being conducted.The women’s one-day domestic competition is tentatively scheduled for March-April.

“Whatever cricket happens, will be by creating bio-secure bubbles. Many venues like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Puducherry, Mumbai having more than one stadiums are being looked at,” said the official.

Tour of Australia

BCCI is awaiting the final itinerary from Cricket Australia for India’s tour Down Under. According to a tentative schedule shared with BCCI, the tour will start with a three-match ODI series from November 26 and the T20Is will be held from December 4. The Test series is slated to begin on December 17. Brisbane is scheduled to host one of the Tests but with the Queensland government yet to relax its 14-day quarantine protocols, the final dates have not been announced.

India’s Test regulars like Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, who are not involved in IPL13, and the coaching staff will quarantine in Mumbai next week before departing for UAE. The squad will depart for Australia after IPL ends on November 10.

The selection committee is expected to meet soon to announce teams for all the formats. It is expected to be a 28-member contingent, factoring in the possibility of Covid replacements and quarantine.

England tour of India

BCCI remains hopeful of being able to start international cricket in India by hosting England next year. Although no decision has been taken yet, with the tour is scheduled to begin in February. “Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad are all due to host matches as per rotation. A call will be taken later, if all venues can host Test matches, whether it will be a full five test series. There is always the option of staging more than one Test in Ahmedabad, which has in-house stay facilities by creating a bubble,” said the official.

The option of taking the series to UAE is being seen as the last resort.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...nsive discussions,start with the Ranji Trophy.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One South African player has returned a positive test result & 2 players were considered close contacts based on the risk assessment undertaken by the medical team. All 3 players have been placed in immediate isolation in Cape Town as part of the COVID-19 protocols <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvENG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvENG</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1329154188870381575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have decided to postpone the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League ODI series scheduled for end May 2021 between The Netherlands and England, to May 2022.

The continuing uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the far-reaching consequences pertaining to the staging of the three matches were the reason for further consultation between the KNCB and ECB.

The prospect of having to play these matches with hardly any or no spectators at all was not a viable option for the KNCB, and the ECB showed their understanding of this situation.

The participation of The Netherlands in the ICC competition, as the only Associate Member, is an enormous challenge for Dutch cricket, and the home matches versus England would be a great chance to put cricket on the map in the country.

Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men's Cricket, said:

“It is disappointing that we are unable to play the Netherlands in May in what would be England’s first visit to Holland.

“Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds. I am sure many fans will want to travel across from England and be part of this historic ODI series.”

Roland Lefebvre – High-Performance Manager, KNCB, said:

“The KNCB is disappointed for the Super League fixtures against England to be postponed. These matches would have been the biggest event in the Netherlands since the Videocon series in 2004 when India, Pakistan and Australia visited VRA Amsterdam.

“The prospect of playing the World Champions in a full house is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022. We are very grateful for the cooperation we received from the ECB to make this happen.”
 
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has either postponed or truncated cricket seasons across the cricket world, the Pakistan Cricket Board has successfully delivered 148 matches in the 2020-21 season before the start of the sixth round matches of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which began in Karachi on Wednesday.

By the time the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy concludes on 12 December and the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy finishes on 5 January 2021, the PCB remains confident it would have organised 188 matches from 10 completed tournaments in the 2020-21 season, which commenced on 30 September with the First XI National T20 Cup.

These tournaments include the first and second XIs National T20 Cup, National U19 One-Day and Three-Day Tournaments, six international matches against Zimbabwe, remaining four HBL PSL 2020 fixtures, the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship, the ongoing three-day and four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and the upcoming Second XI Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament.

During the nine tournaments/series to date, as many as 2,830 Covid-19 tests have been conducted on players, players support personnel and match officials as the PCB has strictly followed and implemented its strict protocols, which were designed in-house, and have been put together for the health and safety of all participants.

Until curtains fall on the 2020-21 season in late March, the PCB is optimistic of staging another 112 matches from the first and second XIs Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament, international matches against South Africa and the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021.

This means to date, the PCB has delivered nearly 58 per cent of the planned 260 matches in circumstances that can be termed far from normal.

The events and series are separate to cricket activities in the National High Performance Centre, where star coaches have been spending a lot of time preparing strategies and pathways for talented cricketers as well as coaches and match officials.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “This data is extremely satisfying for the Pakistan Cricket Board as it illustrates two simple facts: firstly, we have delivered cricket events and activities uninterruptedly despite the pandemic while ensuring health and safety of all participants, and, secondly, we have brought the fans and followers closer to action by live broadcast on TV and YouTube streaming.

“This reflects our resolve, commitment and promise to the Pakistan cricket fans that we will not only provide entertainment through quality cricket but will continue to invest in our domestic cricket. I am glad that the response to date has been phenomenal.

“The 2020-21 season has also brought the entire PCB together in the planning and delivery of a crowded and busy season in which events have overlapped and multiple teams have been in action in one city. Due to the professional event planning and delivery, we remain on track of completing a full season of domestic and international cricket during these unprecedented times.”

PCB Director – High Performance Nadeem Khan: “Cricket activities are the lifeline for the PCB and professional cricketers, and I am pleased we have been able to keep the players busy in competitive cricket by keeping the stadia alive and active.

“The standard of cricket has been pretty good and through live broadcast and streaming, we have seen a number of talented cricketers announce their arrival. This season, played in difficult circumstances, has clearly benefited these talented cricketers, which, in turn, will assist Pakistan cricket moving forward as the selectors and team managements will be able to identify the talent that can strengthen their squads.

“This has not been an easy period for the entire world. But, from our medical team to the commercial team to the logistics team to the security team, everyone has contributed significantly to ensure cricket remains unaffected.”
 
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), in conjunction with the BBC, is delighted to announce that Cricket West Indies has been awarded the 2020 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award.

Cricket West Indies were selected for their courage in sending both their Men’s and Women’s teams to tour England in 2020, a year when the Covid-19 pandemic has caused such major disruption not only to the international cricketing calendar, but to everyday life.

The award singles out Cricket West Indies for their efforts, but both MCC and the BBC would like to place on record their admiration for the Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket Ireland and Cricket Australia for overcoming logistical challenges to send their Men’s teams to play England. In addition, none of these tours would have been possible without the determination of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and everyone involved in the herculean effort to host international cricket in this extraordinary year.

Jason Holder’s West Indies Men’s team faced England in a three-match Test series which began in early July. The team arrived in the United Kingdom in early June, with lockdown restrictions still in place across the United Kingdom and infection rates remaining prevalent.

The West Indies Women’s team, led by Stafanie Taylor, stepped in at late notice to play England in a five-match T20 international series in September, following the cancellation of the hosts’ previously scheduled matches.

The CMJ Spirit of Cricket award was created in 2013 by MCC and the BBC in memory of former MCC President and BBC Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins (“CMJ”), who was passionate about promoting the spirit of the game.

The award has previously been won by: Wayne Madsen of Derbyshire; Sussex’s Luke Wright; Brendon McCullum of New Zealand; Tom Fell of Worcestershire, England’s Anya Shrubsole, and Dan Bowser and Chris Edwards of the England Learning Disability Team.

Last year’s winners were the New Zealand Men’s team, who were recognised for their exemplary display of sporting conduct in the wake of the 2019 ICC Men’s World Cup Final at Lord’s.

MCC President Kumar Sangakkara said: “In a year when cricket has brought us much solace, it is entirely fitting that Cricket West Indies and their Men’s and Women’s teams should be recognised for the courage of their decision to tour England, an act which truly embodies the Spirit of Cricket.

“The whole cricketing world appreciates the lengths that both they and the ECB went to so that cricket could be played at the height of the pandemic, and their contribution should be remembered warmly.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket Ireland and Cricket Australia should also be commended for their actions, with each body making an important contribution to ensure England could host a full international summer, which was enjoyed by supporters around the globe.”

Chief Executive of Cricket West Indies Johnny Grave said: “We are delighted that our Men’s and Women’s teams have won the prestigious Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award. On behalf of everyone at CWI, I’d like to thank MCC and the BBC for recognising the efforts that our teams made, in close collaboration with ECB, to ensure that international cricket returned safely to the global stage. It was a bold but necessary decision made by the CWI Board, supported by those who travelled to the UK, in keeping with our Cricket First philosophy.

“I must also thank the ECB, along with Hampshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire who hosted our teams this summer and ensured that they were kept safe during both tours.”

BBC Test Match Special Producer Adam Mountford added: “In this most difficult of years, the Spirit of Cricket has never been more important. The West Indies Men’s and Women’s teams made huge sacrifices and took personal risks to keep international cricket going and provide a crucial distraction for fans across the world.”
 
The following players declined the opportunity to tour Bsngladesh due to COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears: Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran.
 
Zimbabwe has put on hold all cricket activities in the country due to new lockdown restrictions imposed by the government following a surge in Covid-19 cases.

"This is a very challenging situation, but ZC's aim is to reschedule all the affected events and fixtures - including the elite men's domestic T20 competition which was scheduled to begin this Monday - for them to be played as soon as it is deemed safe to do so," Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement on Sunday.

Zimbabwe has not hosted any team since the Covid-19 outbreak last March, which brought to a grinding halt all sporting activities globally.

The country was scheduled to host Ireland in April and Afghanistan and India in August last year but all the tours were called off due to the global health crisis.

In November, Zimbabwe played a six-match limited over series in Pakistan.

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/sports...hold-due-to-rising-covid-19-cases-934824.html
 
ABU DHABI – Emirates Cricket Board has advised Cricket Ireland of a further four players who have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, it has been agreed that tomorrow’s ODI will be postponed.

The Emirates Cricket Board statement released said:

“Emirates Cricket Board has confirmed that tomorrow’s match in the Sky247.net ODI Series 2021 against Ireland has been suspended. This decision, supported by Cricket Ireland, was made after a new directive was received from authorities."

"This followed over 48 hours of self-isolation by the UAE team after four reported positive cases of Covid-19. Additionally, the directive from the authorities requires the UAE team to remain in quarantine for an extended period of time."

"Discussions are continuing with all concerned parties, including the relevant authorities, regarding rescheduling of the remaining matches. A decision will be made and communicated once an agreement has been reached and approved..”
 
DUBLIN – Zimbabwe Cricket officials have advised Cricket Ireland that Ireland Men’s planned tour to Zimbabwe in April cannot proceed at present due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country.

The Ireland Men’s squad was due to fly to Harare on 28 March 2021 and play a three-match T20 International series, followed by a three-match one-day international series in April.

Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Ireland have agreed to reschedule the tour for a later date.

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said:

“We’re obviously disappointed, but to be honest, it is not an unexpected announcement from our Zimbabwean counterparts. We appreciate their efforts and willingness to try and make the tour possible, but in the end the health and safety of players and support staff must be of primary consideration.”

“We’ll now look at whether alternate fixtures can be arranged during that period, which is a crucial window in advance of a busy home season and in a T20 World Cup year.”

“This places even greater importance on the proposed Ireland Wolves tour in February/March given the need to provide many of our players the volume and quality of cricket we need to keep the momentum in player development we have been seeing over the last few years. We expect to be providing an update on the Wolves situation in coming days.”

The Ireland Men’s year ahead is still a potentially busy 12 months, with three visiting teams during the summer, several scheduled tours and a T20 World Cup in October.
 
DUBLIN – Zimbabwe Cricket officials have advised Cricket Ireland that Ireland Men’s planned tour to Zimbabwe in April cannot proceed at present due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the country.

The Ireland Men’s squad was due to fly to Harare on 28 March 2021 and play a three-match T20 International series, followed by a three-match one-day international series in April.

Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Ireland have agreed to reschedule the tour for a later date.

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said:

“We’re obviously disappointed, but to be honest, it is not an unexpected announcement from our Zimbabwean counterparts. We appreciate their efforts and willingness to try and make the tour possible, but in the end the health and safety of players and support staff must be of primary consideration.”

“We’ll now look at whether alternate fixtures can be arranged during that period, which is a crucial window in advance of a busy home season and in a T20 World Cup year.”

“This places even greater importance on the proposed Ireland Wolves tour in February/March given the need to provide many of our players the volume and quality of cricket we need to keep the momentum in player development we have been seeing over the last few years. We expect to be providing an update on the Wolves situation in coming days.”

The Ireland Men’s year ahead is still a potentially busy 12 months, with three visiting teams during the summer, several scheduled tours and a T20 World Cup in October.
 
USA Cricket today confirms the postponement of the planned Training Camp and series of Team USA Selection Matches that were scheduled for late February in Houston. With the International Cricket Council today announcing the postponement of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series in Oman next month due to the changing COVID-19 situation, USA Cricket has now also postponed the Houston Training Camp.

The proposed Camp, which would have brought together the majority of the 44-player National Training Group named last month, was due to be held at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Houston. The Camp was primarily planned as preparation and selection for the now postponed Oman tour and as a consequence of this, and the challenges still being presented domestically by the ongoing COVID situation in the USA, it has also been postponed.

Work will continue on shaping a provisional calendar of cricket for the year of 2021, which will include all international and domestic cricket for Men’s, Women’s & Youth. USA Cricket will aim to announce this later in February and provide an update on any future specific training camps for the Men’s & Women’s National Training Groups.

USA Cricket would like to thank the ICC and the other competing nations in ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 for taking proactive action when it became apparent that next month’s series would not be possible. USA Cricket looks forward to working closely with all parties to reschedule all of the remaining ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series as soon as is safely possible.

USA Cricket would also like to thank all involved so far in organizing the Houston Training Camp, particularly those at the Prairie View Cricket Complex, as well as all of our players and support staff for their understanding and support as we continue to work hard towards best planning a safe return to competitive action for our international sides.

USA Cricket Operations Director, Richard Done said, “While the news of the postponement of the Oman Tri-Series was disappointing, it was not unexpected as we have been scenario planning for all eventualities with the COVID pandemic continuing to evolve at different rates around the world. We are incredibly eager to get our National Teams back in competition but we have to continue to be patient and practical, and adapt as best we can. I am certain on this occasion it was the correct decision to postpone the Oman trip and, as a consequence, the Houston Training Camp and series of selection matches, have also been postponed.

“We are incredibly frustrated by recent developments, but we remain optimistic that we will still be able to have a strong calendar of cricket in 2021 for our Men’s, Women’s and Youth programs. With two ICC Regional Pathway Events to host, alongside other international cricket and a full program of domestic cricket including National Championships, Zonal competition and training hubs, and the first full season of Minor League Cricket, there is a huge amount for players and fans to look forward to this year. We understand the importance of the return of cricket at all levels and we look forward to announcing a full calendar very shortly. However, we have a duty of care to all participants to ensure that when we return to a full schedule of cricket programs across the USA, we do so in a safe, responsible and cost-effective manner.”
 
A proposed England U19 tour of Australia in April of this year has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The tour was originally scheduled for February 2021, and then pushed back to April to give it the best chance of taking place, but this week both boards agreed it was necessary to postpone further.

ECB Performance Director Mo Bobat said: "Travelling over to Australia to represent your country is a fantastic experience at any level, so it’s disappointing that we have had to postpone it for the time being, but clearly the right decision given the current climate.

"The series represents one half of our reciprocal plans with Cricket Australia at Under 19 level and we hope to be able to host the Australian Under 19 team in the UK during our domestic summer. Both boards will continue to explore options for rescheduling the postponed tour to Australia."

Cricket Australia's National Talent & Pathways Manager, Graham Manou, said: “We were very much looking forward to hosting the England Under 19 team, however the significant logistical challenges associated with hosting a series in these times as well as a duty of care to protect the health and wellbeing of both squads, was ultimately why both boards agreed to postpone the tour.”

”International competition for this age group is critical. We look forward to continuing to work with the ECB to explore ways in which our young players can further their development both at home and abroad.”
 
Following the change to New Zealand’s Alert Levels this evening, the following actions will be taken regarding upcoming BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS games.


Double-headers (inc WHITE FERNS v ENG T20) to go ahead in Wellington on Wednesday, March 3, as planned – but behind closed doors.

Double-headers scheduled for Auckland on Friday, March 5, now to be played in Wellington, also without crowds.

Double-headers scheduled for Tauranga on Sunday, March 7 to go ahead – will wait for Government advice re crowds.

All ticket holders to receive full refunds.
 
Today’s match between Bangladesh Emerging and Ireland Wolves has been suspended on medical advice.

Prior to today’s game, both squads received negative results for Covid, and the game proceeded as per protocols. However, a review of results by mid-morning by the local laboratory detected one positive test in the Ireland Wolves squad.

Play was suspended and the player was immediately isolated ahead of a further test today.
 
From ICC:

The interim COVID-19 regulations that were introduced in 2020 to allow international cricket to resume as quickly and safely as possible will continue to be applied. These were as follows:

The flexibility to be able to appoint home umpires where neutral umpires were previously required.
The additional DRS review per team per innings in all formats.
The ban on using saliva to polish the ball, and
The availability of a COVID-19 replacement in Test matches.

The committees noted the excellent performances by the home umpires over the past 9 months but encouraged the more widespread appointment of neutral Elite Panel umpires whenever circumstances allow.

The recent introduction of replacement players for both concussion and COVID-19 prompted a discussion at the Cricket Committee on the more general use of replacement players in the international game. To better understand the implications of allowing players to be replaced during a match the definition of a First-Class Match will be changed to allow the unqualified use of replacement players.
 
KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set strict COVID-19 SoPs for Ramadan cricket tournaments, ARY News reported.

Following the details, PCB hasn’t received any request for conducting a Ramadan cricket tournament this year in the metropolis after they issued strict guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

PCB made it mandatory to establish a bio-secure bubble for players and officials during the Ramadan cricket tournament. Moreover, tournament organizers were supposed to submit a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the respective provincial government.

A fee of PKR 1.5 Million was set for a televised tournament whereas PKR 0.5 Million was set for a non-televised tournament.

ARY
 
The 2022 T20 World Cup qualifiers in Africa and Asia have been postponed due to COVID-19, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

The Asia A Qualifier, which is two steps away from the 2022 T20 World Cup set to be played in Australia, was due to be hosted between April 3 and 9, 2021 involving Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It will now be played in Kuwait from October 23 to 29 this year.

"The decision was taken to postpone due to new restrictions being put in place by several participating countries to suspend sporting activities to limit the spread of the new COVID-19 variants therefore giving no opportunity for teams to sufficiently train. The other contributing factor was the extensive quarantine requirements for the visiting teams on their return to their respective countries," said the ICC in a statement.

The Sub Regional Africa A and B Qualifiers, which are three steps away from the World Cup, were due to take place in South Africa in April 2021 and have been rescheduled to October 25-31 this year. Qualifier A involves Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland and Uganda and Qualifier B includes Botswana, Cameroon, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, St Helena and Tanzania. The ICC said that the postponements were confirmed as a result of the process undertaken for the its "comprehensive contingency planning of Covid-19 after consultation with members and with the relevant government and public health authorities".

The T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier is now confirmed to take place between 24 and 27 November in Nigeria involving Kenya, Nigeria, and the top teams from the Sub Regional Africa A and B Qualifiers respectively to allow sufficient time for the sub-regional qualifiers to be completed.

In addition, the ICC under-19 men's World Cup Asia Division 2 has been cancelled as Thailand are unable to host due to Covid-19 restrictions and there is no other suitable hosting option.

Bhutan, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand were confirmed to participate in the Division 2 event. "Oman and Singapore have now been promoted to the U19 men's CWC Asia Qualifier scheduled in September in the United Arab Emirates, as a result of both teams having the best records in the previous five editions of the U19 men's CWC qualifiers," said the ICC.

The under-19 men's Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier has been postponed to August 7-13 from June 2021 due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Hosts Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone will all compete for two ICC under-19 men's World Cup Africa Qualifier spots. The dates for the under-19 men's World Cup Africa Qualifier have been confirmed as September 25 to October 1 and will be hosted by Nigeria with Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda also competing for one spot in the West Indies in early 2022.

The women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, which is a qualifying tournament to the ICC women's T20 World Cup 2023 has been rescheduled from October to September 3-11 2021 to ease regional calendar congestion involving hosts Botswana, Cameroon, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/cricket/t20-world-cup-regional-qualifiers-postponed
 
Last edited:
DUBLIN – In line with COVID-19 protocols, and as a health and safety precaution to protect players and coaches, Cricket Ireland has today temporarily suspended elite men’s training sessions after a player has registered a positive test for COVID-19.

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said:

“As soon as we were notified of the test result, we called an immediate halt to elite men’s training across Ireland. The player in question will be re-tested to ensure this is not a false positive. We want to ensure the risk of COVID-19 is minimised in line with our return-to-training protocols, and have always said that the health and safety of our players and coaches must come first.”

“While the player was only using one of our four training hubs, he had been a close contact with players using other training hubs – so out of an abundance of caution we have stopped training for a few days across all hubs while tests are undertaken.”

“We have a busy period of cricket in May, and World Cup Super League matches set for early June, so it’s vital that we provide our senior players with as much time outdoors training as we can. However, this will not come at the risk to their health and safety, and that of their families or close contacts.”

“We will provide an update on the player’s condition and training status in due course.”
 
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Two employees of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have passed away after contracting the coronavirus.

Those who succumbed to the Covid-19 were identified as Hafiz Muhammad Bilal and Falak Sher.

Hafiz Mohammad Bilal, who belonged to the domestic cricket sector, had tested positive for novel coronavirus, after which he suffered from pneumonia. He died on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Falak Sher belonged to the PCB Security Department.

According to the PCB s Covid-19 policy, only 30% of employees are working in Gaddafi Stadium offices, while the remaining 70% of staff are working from home.
 
Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to close their Lahore’s offices till Wednesday after positive COVID-19 cases emerged among employees, ARY Sports reported.

Five PCB employees were tested positive for the coronavirus last week. Due to the coronavirus, 70% of PCB employees are already working from home.

Employees over the age of 50 were also required to work from home. Last week, two employees Hafiz Mohammad Bilal and Falak Sher passed away due to the virus.

ARY
 
India's move to the UK's 'red list' could have a big impact on the cricket summer. The ban could affect England and New Zealand players at the IPL, plus India coming for WTC final and India women's tour. As it stands, any visitors from India will have to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine in a govt hotel or quarantine facility. Any cricket players travelling from India won't get leave to train/compete.
 
Last edited:
A charity cricket match in Sri Lanka aimed at raising money to help fight the coronavirus pandemic was cancelled Sunday as a former Test captain tested positive, the country's governing body for the sport said. The T20 match was due to be played on Tuesday at Pallekele, a day after the final day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. "The Charity Match... between the Sri Lanka Greats XI and Team Sri Lanka will not go ahead as planned due to the prevailing health situation in the country," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.

Officials said the decision was taken after Upul Tharanga, 36, tested positive for the virus.

"Sri Lanka Cricket also took into consideration the safety of the players," SLC said.

The Sri Lanka Greats XI included legendary players Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva.

Sri Lanka is going ahead with the two-match Test series against Bangladesh without spectators as the country faces a third wave of infections.

The sharp rise in cases has prompted the authorities to ban public gatherings and lockdown several areas from Sunday.

The number of daily infections, which remained at a couple of hundred just before the traditional new year on April 14, has shot up to a record 1,699 as of Saturday.

Since the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Sri Lanka has reported 89 virus deaths, bringing the country's toll to 687.

NDTV
 
Last Monetarist said:
India's move to the UK's 'red list' could have a big impact on the cricket summer. The ban could affect England and New Zealand players at the IPL, plus India coming for WTC final and India women's tour. As it stands, any visitors from India will have to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine in a govt hotel or quarantine facility. Any cricket players travelling from India won't get leave to train/compete.
Click to expand...

In practice, the main damage will be to New Zealand's ability to use the Test series v England to prepare for the World Test Championship Final.

The First Test begins 3 days after the IPL Final and the Second Test begins 11 days after the IPL Final.

This means that Williamson, Santner, Boult, Neesham and Ferguson (as well as Seifert and Milne) will miss the opportunity to use those two Tests to prepare for the WTC Final.

That's going to have a big impact on New Zealand's preparation.
 
India are to tour Sri Lanka for a short cricket series in July, but increasing Covid-19 cases in that country could worry Indian cricket board. The island nation recorded 2,568 cases on Tuesday. According to official numbers announced in Colombo, the 2,568 cases recorded on Tuesday included 38 overseas returnees.

On May 10, the island recorded 2,624 cases and on May 9 the number was 2,672. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly had earlier said that India are set to travel to Sri Lanka in July for three ODIs and as many T20Is. Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium is likely to host all six games of the series.

"We plan to host the entire series at one venue. As of now, it has been decided that the Premadasa Stadium will host the fixtures. Obviously, it depends on how the situation is around that time," Arjuna de Silva, Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) Administrative Committee chairman, told Sportstar on Monday.

"With the Covid situation fluid, we cannot allow fans yet, so all the matches will be closed-door affairs," De Silva said.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...creasing-covid-cases-in-island-a-worry/755970
 
(Reuters) - Britain’s sports minister Oliver Dowden is confident sports events can welcome back capacity crowds from June 21, though he said some “high-risk” venues would require safety measures.

An easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the government’s roadmap out of lockdown means up to 10,000 fans will be permitted at outdoor sports events in England from Monday, while further easing could push numbers up in June at stage four.

Dowden said the probability of fully reopening venues was now “much higher” than when they first proposed the roadmap in February.

“We are completely on track at the moment with the roadmap (and) the vaccination is rolling out as planned,” Dowden told the Department for Culture Media and Sport Select Committee.

“I have a single-minded determination to get full reopening from June 21. With every passing day I get more confident that we can achieve that.

“There will have to be in ... the highest risk areas some kind of mitigations required ... I cannot give the full assurance until we get to the stage of announcing stage four.”

Saturday’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City is expected to have 21,000 fans at Wembley.

UEFA said Wembley would have a minimum capacity of 25% (22,500) for the first three group matches and a last-16 match at next month’s European Championship.

However, a move to stage four would allow them to increase capacity at the 90,000-seater arena for the knockout stages, particularly the semi-finals and July 11 final.

The move would also come in time for Wimbledon from June-July, while England’s cricket team host Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The British Open golf tournament and the British Formula One Grand Prix will also be held in July.

“The outstanding issue at this stage is the extent to which there will be COVID certification in high-risk venues,” Dowden added. “We are currently working through exactly the threshold for that.”
 
Following PCR Tests administered on Friday 21 May for all members of the West Indies Men’s red ball training camp being held in St Lucia, Jamaican fast bowler, Marquino Mindley, tested positive on his second COVID-19 test.

In accordance with the medical protocols established with the St Lucian Ministry of Health, Mindley, who is currently asymptomatic, will now self-isolate in his hotel room under the supervision of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Medical Team until he returns two back-to-back negative results.

All other members of the training squad and coaching team were re-tested and isolated in their rooms, with training cancelled for the weekend. All of these training squad and coaching team members have now tested negative following their repeat tests and the squad will train in small groups starting on Monday 24 May, at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

The West Indies red ball training camp is being held in a bio-secure environment ahead of the ICC World Test Championship two-match Series against South Africa, scheduled to start on June 10.

CWI continues to work with all the regional governments and CARPHA to encourage and assist all squad members to get vaccinated. To date, 43 members of West Indies Men’s playing and coaching staff have received vaccination doses.
 
What’s the reason for ICC to continue with home umpires?

If teams with a contingent of 40 to 50 people can travel to another country, why can’t they have a few umpires traveling to the countries for the tour? Why is ICC so stubborn on that front? In football, we continue to see neutral umpires. Home umpires have really brought down the standards of umpiring and it has been noted that most of the umpires calls go in favour of the home team.
 
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament has been postponed tentatively till August due the prevailing pandemic situation in the country.

The second edition of the LPL was scheduled for next month but had to be postponed due to the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after a discussion decided to delay the tournament until the end of August.

A fresh date to create a window to host this tournament will be decided once the country is safe and favourable to conduct this event. (AN)

http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/06/05/sports/250891/lanka-premier-league-t20-postponed
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">(1/2) &#55357;&#57000; ZIMBABWE SERIES SUSPENDED<br><br>Following a directive to suspend all sporting activities in the country as part of the latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has temporarily put on hold all cricket activities. <a href="https://t.co/nIs5N1bGo7">pic.twitter.com/nIs5N1bGo7</a></p>— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1404356365162881026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">(2/2) However, ZC has lodged an urgent appeal to the Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission, for permission to complete the ongoing four-day match between South Africa A and Zimbabwe A.<br><br>Further updates will be provided when appropriate.</p>— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1404357209002319874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Due to an increase in Covid-19 infections primarily caused by the Delta variant, the June 21 unlocking date has been postponed.

Crowds at matches in England will have to remain at a maximum of 25 per cent or 10,000, whichever is smaller, as has been the case since May 17.

Pilot events, like the one implemented for the second Test between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston which saw nearly 18,000 attend the first three days, will continue but cricket is not currently due to be part of the next phase of the scheme.

Restrictions will initially impact virtually all of England men's white-ball matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with 11 of their 12 games taking place during the 28-day extension.

The 18 first-class counties had hoped to open their doors fully to fans for the back-end of the T20 Blast group phase but are now consigned to the whole preliminary stage being played in front of limited crowds.

The new proposed date to unlock fully comes just days before The Hundred kick-offs on July 21, a competition which the governing body hope can attract a new, younger audience.

English cricket's governing body believes losses from the game could end up totalling £200 million due to the disruption caused by the virus, which saw all elite matches played behind closed doors last year.



Key dates:

Thursday, June 23 - Saturday, June 26: England men v Sri Lanka T20 series

Saturday, June 26: Women's Regional T20 starts

Sunday, 27 June - Saturday 3 July: England women v India ODIs

Tuesday, June 29 - Sunday, July 4: England men v Sri Lanka ODIs

Thursday, July 8 - Tuesday, July 13: England men v Pakistan ODIs

Friday, July 9 - Thursday 15 July: England women v India T20s

Friday, July 16 - Tuesday, July 20: England men v Pakistan T20s

Sunday, July 18: T20 Blast group stage ends

Monday, July 19: Full lifting of lockdown

Wednesday, July 21: Women's Hundred starts

Thursday, July 22: Men's Hundred starts
 
Glamorgan have warned cricket fans they could still miss out on attending games this summer - despite crowds being allowed back at grounds.

Crowds of up to 10,000 are now allowed in Wales, subject to social distancing.

Glamorgan had hoped to welcome almost 3,000 fans back to Sophia Gardens for games in June, including England's T20 game with Sri Lanka.

Chief executive Hugh Morris has admitted the actual figure is likely to be half that.

Morris has based that warning on the Welsh government's latest social distancing guidance.

"Some of the many thousands of cricket fans who have bought tickets for matches in Cardiff this summer will be frustrated and disappointed not to be able to attend these matches," Morris said.

Wales' social distancing rules remain at two metres, compared to one metre-plus rules in England and Scotland.

Under the rules in England 6,500 fans were present each day during England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, while 18,000 were allowed inside Edgbaston every day for the second Test. Lord's has a capacity of 30,000, while Edgbaston can hold 25,000.

In a statement, Glamorgan say an assessment by independent consultants confirmed a possible attendance of 2,982 at the 15,643-capacity Sophia Gardens, but that latest 'Safe Events' guidance issued by Welsh government last week stated that only same-household members could sit together and all others must be two metres apart.

As a result, Glamorgan say the number of fans who can attend games - including England's matches with Sri Lanka on 23 and 24 June - will be "significantly lower".

Morris said: "We have no option but to comply with the Welsh government legislation which is likely to mean an actual capacity of around 1,500 spectators at our stadium for as long as social distancing remains at two metres in Wales.

"In effect, for every single match ticket bought, we are losing the nearest 11 seats to accommodate the social distancing legislation as fans who have bought in groups, and not from the same household, will be required to sit two metres apart.

"Obviously the situation creates many logistical and financial challenges for the club, which we are currently working through to ensure we are able to welcome as many supporters as possible within these restrictions."

Glamorgan joined other sporting organisations in Wales in December to call on the Welsh government to not only permit the safe return of fans to sport in Wales, but also to reconsider the two-metre social distancing rules at stadiums.

The first pilot events for the return of fans took place in May, including EFL play-off games featuring Swansea City and Newport County and the Wales-Albania football international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium on 5 June.

Glamorgan also hosted a pilot on the first day of their County Championship match with Lancashire before the decision to allow all stadiums to open their doors again, provided safety guidelines are followed.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed on Monday it would welcome 8,200 fans back to Principality Stadium for Wales' summer tests against Canada and Argentina.

Glamorgan - who are also scheduled to host a one-day international between England and Pakistan on 8 July as well as The Hundred's Welsh Fire franchise - say they will monitor Welsh government legislation for further updates.

Morris added: "The health and safety of cricket fans remains our number one priority.

"Recent sports pilots have shown how larger capacity crowds can be achieved safely and we want to work with the Welsh government to ensure more cricket fans are able to return to Sophia Gardens as soon as possible."

The Welsh government declined to comment.

BBC
 
ECB statement

We are delighted to confirm that the ECB and our international venues are working with the Government’s Events Research Programme to increase capacities at the Royal London Series ODIs and Vitality IT20s against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in June and July.

For operational reasons, we will focus initially on the three matches in late June and early July against Sri Lanka at the Emirates Riverside in Durham, the Kia Oval in London and the Bristol County Ground. Details on arrangements for the Pakistan series will follow after further discussions with the Government and local stakeholders. The Vitality IT20 against Sri Lanka at the Ageas Bowl on 26th June will not be part of this Programme and all matches in Wales are subject to separate discussion with the Welsh Government.

There’s also a quote from the Culture Secretary -

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Summer is all about cricket and I’m delighted to be able to include England’s upcoming ODI and IT20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our pioneering Events Research Programme.

“With thanks to our tremendous vaccine rollout and massive uptake of the NHS App we will be able to welcome back far greater numbers of cricket fans to Durham, Bristol and The Oval.

“We will continue to do everything we can to get as many as possible back watching live sport and cultural events as safely and as quickly as possible.”
 
MenInG said:
ECB statement

We are delighted to confirm that the ECB and our international venues are working with the Government’s Events Research Programme to increase capacities at the Royal London Series ODIs and Vitality IT20s against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in June and July.

For operational reasons, we will focus initially on the three matches in late June and early July against Sri Lanka at the Emirates Riverside in Durham, the Kia Oval in London and the Bristol County Ground. Details on arrangements for the Pakistan series will follow after further discussions with the Government and local stakeholders. The Vitality IT20 against Sri Lanka at the Ageas Bowl on 26th June will not be part of this Programme and all matches in Wales are subject to separate discussion with the Welsh Government.

There’s also a quote from the Culture Secretary -

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Summer is all about cricket and I’m delighted to be able to include England’s upcoming ODI and IT20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our pioneering Events Research Programme.

“With thanks to our tremendous vaccine rollout and massive uptake of the NHS App we will be able to welcome back far greater numbers of cricket fans to Durham, Bristol and The Oval.

“We will continue to do everything we can to get as many as possible back watching live sport and cultural events as safely and as quickly as possible.”
Click to expand...

Further to above from ECB:

For background, we're targeting 50% for first 3 games, subject to further discussion with govt/local health
 
Going to a cricket match in COVID

Thankfully we had to test negative for COVID 24 hours prior to the match day and now that it’s been 13 days since I went to the game, I have not felt any symptoms either so it was a good time for me to go to watch the game.

Few pictures of the game
 
DUBLIN – The Board of the Euro T20 Slam has confirmed that complications caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and scheduling complexities mean that a pathway forward for a 2021 launch is no longer viable.

The Board met recently to consider options, and the implications and risks posed by recent announcements around the cricket world. While there remains a positive view for the future of the event, organisers, financial backers and cricket boards (Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands) agreed that moving the launch to 2022 would offer the competition a better chance of success.

Amongst the main concerns raised were the challenges posed by recent variants of the coronavirus creating a great deal of uncertainty on international travel, quarantining restrictions being tightened, pressure on available hotel accommodation during late summer / early autumn in Ireland, and rescheduled leagues (particularly the IPL) now impinging on the window.

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive at Cricket Ireland, said:

“Last year we had agreed to tweak the structure of the competition - in response to the pandemic, envisioning the event being held in one country alone to minimise travel and negotiate various quarantining requirements. You only have to look at the impacts of the evolving pandemic on established competitions like the IPL and PSL, to see the complexity and uncertainty that still needs to be managed.”

“While the vaccine roll-out has provided hope on the horizon, a combination of new variants, accommodation shortages in Ireland, and – possibly the most crucial element – the rescheduling of the IPL into the window envisaged to play the Euro T20 Slam – mean that the viability of getting a new event established in 2021 will not be possible.”

“While there may be a sense of disappointment for now – the further time now available will give the concept the best chance to succeed in the longer term. With a men’s T20 World Cup approaching in October, the three participating cricket boards will investigate a feasibility of a tri-series, similar to that which was organised in 2019.”

Mr. Prashant Mishra, Woods Entertainment, said:

“Circumstances have to be right for the Boards, players, sponsors and franchise owners to be in a position to launch our inaugural season. While it was looking like a challenging prospect getting the event up and running this year given the pandemic and its knock-on impacts around travel and accommodation, perhaps the most disruptive element of late to contend with is the IPL’s rescheduling to a similar operating window.”

“Our intention all along has been to offer the cricketing public a competition that is truly world-class – in playing talent, production value and experience. Like the cricket boards involved, we believe the signs are positive for the future of the event and we remain determined to get an event underway in 2022.”
 
Sussex’s Tom Clark has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating.

Six members of Sussex’s first team squad, an Academy player and a member of the team’s support staff have been identified by the club as having had close contact with Tom in the 48 hours preceding the onset of his symptoms and have also entered self-isolation.

The other first team players self-isolating are Jamie Atkins, James Coles, Henry Crocombe, Tom Haines, Sean Hunt, Delray Rawlins and Ollie Robinson. They and Clark will not be available for selection during their periods of isolation.

Crocombe, Rawlins and Robinson have been removed from the squad for this evening’s Vitality Blast match against Kent Spitfires. Stuart Meaker and Ali Orr have been added as cover.
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) today confirmed all forms of amateur cricket has been suspended until further notice.

All clubs, schools and KFC Mini-Cricket has been put on hold for at least the next two weeks as recommended by the CSA Medical Committee due to the adjusted level 4 lockdown amid the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Acting Head of Cricket Pathways Edward Khoza said: “Fortunately most of our organized cricket is in recess at the moment but there are private academies that operate throughout the year.

“The safety of all participants is always the priority and Cricket South Africa, together with its Members, are exercising their duty of care by halting all forms of amateur cricket,” he added.

The resumption of amateur cricket will be confirmed at a later stage
 
Looks like the T20 at Trent Bridge, a full house will be allowed. Got the Email.
Good News, should be a good atmosphere!!
 
for those interested in what they will have to do.

As you may be aware, the England and Wales Cricket Board has been working with the government regarding arrangements for our Vitality IT20 between England and Pakistan on Friday 16 July.

It has now been confirmed that this match will take place as a pilot event as part of the Events Research Programme. This is helping to shape government policy around the return of fuller crowds to venues and events around England, and we now expect that we will be able to welcome a capacity crowd.

The exact conditions with which attendees will be required to abide are to be established in the coming days. We will make sure you receive the details in full as soon as we are able to share them.

We have, however, noted some initial points below to be aware of, ahead of the fixture.

• Each individual attendee will be required to provide their name, address, date of birth, contact information and consent to taking part in the Events Research Programme, in advance of the match. We will provide details of how to do so in due course.

• All attendees aged 11 and over will be required to demonstrate their Covid-19 status when entering the event (either via proof of double vaccination or of a valid negative lateral flow test) via one of the methods outlined below. This is referred to as having an NHS Covid Pass.

• The preferred method of demonstrating Covid-19 status will be by completing the NHS Covid Pass certification within the NHS App (different to the NHS Covid-19 App being used for track and trace purposes) and showing your NHS Covid Pass on your smartphone as you enter the ground.

• We would encourage you and all others in your group to download and activate the NHS App now in preparation for the generation of your Covid Passes, which will provide the means with which to gain entry to our venue for each spectator alongside a valid match ticket (downloadable, print at home and postal match ticket options will be made available).

• Current Covid measures will not be applied within Trent Bridge during the event. Social distancing will not be in place and you do not need to wear face coverings in your seat. The wearing of face coverings will be encouraged when moving around the ground, however this will not be compulsory.

If you are the lead purchaser for a number of individuals, we encourage you to forward this information to the rest of your group.

We can't wait to welcome you on 16 July – and the only action you need to take at this stage is to decide which one of the three methods below you wish to use to claim your Covid pass and, where applicable, commence the process.

1. By downloading and registering for the NHS App. Click here to download the NHS App on an Apple device or here to do so on an Android phone.

2. By visiting the NHS website here...

3. By requesting an NHS Covid Pass letter to be posted to you, also via the NHS website, or by calling 119.

We will be in touch in the coming days to commence the process of collecting contact information from each member of your party.

We can't wait to celebrate the return of international cricket with you, and will provide you with all the relevant information and guidance to complete your booking.

If, having considered the above, you no longer wish to attend, you may claim a full refund by completing our short form before 12 noon on Thursday 8 July.

Thank you for your support.

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground,
West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6AG
Registered Number IPS 28978R
 
MK7Z said:
for those interested in what they will have to do.

As you may be aware, the England and Wales Cricket Board has been working with the government regarding arrangements for our Vitality IT20 between England and Pakistan on Friday 16 July.

It has now been confirmed that this match will take place as a pilot event as part of the Events Research Programme. This is helping to shape government policy around the return of fuller crowds to venues and events around England, and we now expect that we will be able to welcome a capacity crowd.

The exact conditions with which attendees will be required to abide are to be established in the coming days. We will make sure you receive the details in full as soon as we are able to share them.

We have, however, noted some initial points below to be aware of, ahead of the fixture.

• Each individual attendee will be required to provide their name, address, date of birth, contact information and consent to taking part in the Events Research Programme, in advance of the match. We will provide details of how to do so in due course.

• All attendees aged 11 and over will be required to demonstrate their Covid-19 status when entering the event (either via proof of double vaccination or of a valid negative lateral flow test) via one of the methods outlined below. This is referred to as having an NHS Covid Pass.

• The preferred method of demonstrating Covid-19 status will be by completing the NHS Covid Pass certification within the NHS App (different to the NHS Covid-19 App being used for track and trace purposes) and showing your NHS Covid Pass on your smartphone as you enter the ground.

• We would encourage you and all others in your group to download and activate the NHS App now in preparation for the generation of your Covid Passes, which will provide the means with which to gain entry to our venue for each spectator alongside a valid match ticket (downloadable, print at home and postal match ticket options will be made available).

• Current Covid measures will not be applied within Trent Bridge during the event. Social distancing will not be in place and you do not need to wear face coverings in your seat. The wearing of face coverings will be encouraged when moving around the ground, however this will not be compulsory.

If you are the lead purchaser for a number of individuals, we encourage you to forward this information to the rest of your group.

We can't wait to welcome you on 16 July – and the only action you need to take at this stage is to decide which one of the three methods below you wish to use to claim your Covid pass and, where applicable, commence the process.

1. By downloading and registering for the NHS App. Click here to download the NHS App on an Apple device or here to do so on an Android phone.

2. By visiting the NHS website here...

3. By requesting an NHS Covid Pass letter to be posted to you, also via the NHS website, or by calling 119.

We will be in touch in the coming days to commence the process of collecting contact information from each member of your party.

We can't wait to celebrate the return of international cricket with you, and will provide you with all the relevant information and guidance to complete your booking.

If, having considered the above, you no longer wish to attend, you may claim a full refund by completing our short form before 12 noon on Thursday 8 July.

Thank you for your support.

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground,
West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6AG
Registered Number IPS 28978R
Click to expand...

I went to Edgbaston test.
 
Unrestricted crowds are set to return to sporting events in England from July 19 without the requirement of a vaccine passport.

Outlining what lifting lockdown in England would look like, prime minister Boris Johnson said crowd restrictions for sport would be lifted but emphasised that a final decision would not be made until July 12.

It means there could be full stadiums for both The Hundred, scheduled to start on July 21, and the Royal London One-Day Cup (starting July 22).

In his press conference, the prime minister said: "We will remove all legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors. We will allow all businesses to reopen. We will lift the limit on the number of people attending sports events. We will end the one metre plus rule on social distancing and the legal obligation to wear a face-covering.

"There will be no Covid certificate required as a condition of entry to any venue or event, although businesses and events can certainly make use of certification."
 
The Data Analyst of the Sri Lanka National Team, G. T. Niroshan, has tested positive for Covid 19.

He was found to be positive, following a PCR Test carried out among the National Players, Coaches, and Support Staff yesterday, following the identification of Grant Flower as Covid Positive.

Niroshan is now undergoing due medical protocols.
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/57786814

Kent were forced to name an entirely new side for their County Championship match against Sussex after a first-team player tested positive for Covid-19.

The Kent Spitfires team which beat Surrey in the T20 Blast on Friday have been deemed to be close contacts, and have begun a 10-day spell of isolation.

The start at Canterbury on Sunday was delayed until 12:00 BST, with the hosts naming four first-class debutants.

Heino Kuhn captains a side made up of second XI and home-grown players.

Former Sussex batsman Harry Finch was also handed a Kent debut with right-arm seamer Jas Singh taking the first two wickets before lunch on his debut once play finally began.

Joe Denly, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leaning, Jordan Cox, Darren Stevens and Matt Milnes are among the Kent players to miss out on the game.

Separately, Sussex captain Ben Brown is absent while self-isolating as a precaution.

Neither Kent nor Sussex are able to qualify from Group Three for the next stage of the Championship.

Kent's nine-wicket victory at The Kia Oval secured a quarter-final berth in the T20 Blast with two games to spare in the South Group.

"With the emergence of the Delta variant and recent release in lockdown restrictions, the club has been conscious of the increased possibility of an outbreak," Kent chief executive Simon Storey told the club website.

"Overnight, the club worked swiftly to identify a replacement squad to take on Sussex."
Click to expand...
 
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce that training for all forms of amateur cricket can now resume under the adjusted Level 4 lockdown.

CSA is working closing with Members to provide safety guidelines to all participants and venues across the country. All players, coaches and officials wishing to return to small group or one-on-one training must comply with the health protocols outlined in the safety guide and will be required to:

Provide a supporting letter from the venue owners permitting resumption of one-on-one training.
Where schools’ facilities are involved, proof that a formal notification of return to train plans have been sent and endorsed by the District Office or School Governing Body.
Undergo screening before being allowed entry into the facility.

CSA Members will appoint a Covid-19 compliance officer prior to the resumption of the cricket activities as well as a designated venue Covid-19 compliance officer to monitor the day-to-day activities and ensure that the standard of hygiene and health protocols are adhered to.

No spectators are allowed at training under Level 4 restrictions.
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Derbyshire Falcons’ final two Vitality Blast group-stage matches have been cancelled.

ECB has determined that Derbyshire CCC is unable to field a team of a strength appropriate to maintain the integrity of the two matches and of the competition as a whole.

Derbyshire are adhering to Covid-19 protocols and managing a number of injuries. In addition to six injured players, 14 members of Derbyshire’s squad are self-isolating after they were deemed as close contacts of an unnamed team-mate, who tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week.

Derbyshire were due to play Northamptonshire Steelbacks (Friday 16 July) and Yorkshire Vikings (Sunday 18 July) in their remaining group-stage matches.

Those matches will be deemed as having been cancelled. Under Playing Condition 16.11.4.5 the North Group will, therefore, be decided on an 'average points per completed match' basis.

The ECB has also confirmed the points allocation from the abandoned LV= Insurance County Championship match between Derbyshire and Essex.

The match is treated as a draw and in accordance with Playing Condition 16.2.3, both teams have been awarded eight points for a draw plus the bonus points they had accrued before the match was abandoned; total points - Essex (11), Derbyshire (9).
 
Michael Vaughan says the Ashes will be a farce if England cannot get travel exemptions for the families of players

Former England Test cricket captain Michael Vaughan has doubled down on his stark warnings about this summer's Ashes series, claiming multiple visiting stars could decide to skip parts or even all of the tour Down Under unless the state and federal governments act soon.

Ahead of Friday's National Cabinet meeting, Vaughan urged Australia's politicians to announce they would grant the vaccinated families and partners of English cricketers exemptions from arrival caps and allow them to travel with the team around the nation.

He said the packed cricket schedule meant multiple English players are facing the prospect of being away from their families for several months, unless exemptions are granted.

"If Australia continue to lock the borders and make it very, very difficult there will come a stage where a sports team decides not to come," Vaughan, who is now a high-profile commentator, said during an interview with the ABC.

"I'm not saying that will be the England cricket team but … as we speak, I would be amazed if England have a full-strength team for the Ashes."

"I would completely back the players if they pull out."

The English team is due to arrive in Australia in November, ahead of the first Test in Brisbane, in December.

But some multi-format cricketers with young children, like Ben Stokes or Jos Buttler, are likely to first play in the T20 World Cup in the UAE before flying directly to Australia.

Before that, the side also has brief warm-up tours of Pakistan and Bangladesh, which come off the back of a busy northern summer, where players have been in secure bubbles.

Cricket Australia is in talks with the state and federal governments about providing exemptions for the Ashes.

It was successful in getting exemptions last summer for the families of Indian players and is hopeful major Australian cities will no longer be in lockdown by the time The Ashes begins.

Exemptions will be politically tricky


Granting travel exemptions for the families of famous foreign cricketers in the current environment would likely lead to some criticism, just months out from a federal election.

Many Australian citizens remain stranded overseas, cut off from their families and have been since the pandemic began, due to the government's strict border policies and quarantine arrangements.

The nation is also currently grappling with COVID-19 outbreaks and the Prime Minister is under pressure due to delays with the vaccination program.

"We're in a different era," Vaughan said, when asked why players could not travel without their families for long periods like they did in the past.

"That's back in the day, 20, 30 years ago."

He added that England probably would not be competitive in Australia unless it brought a full-strength side.

"If England arrive in Australia with half a team and I hope it doesn't come to this … it would almost be that The Ashes become a bit of a farce," he said.

"I don't think you can cancel the Ashes.

"Your teams aren't travelling anywhere else, look at your Australian cricketers, seven decided not to go the Caribbean.

"Australia and New Zealand have pulled out of the Rugby League World Cup in the UK."

The Ashes is due to begin on December 8 and run until mid-January.

In the recent past, English players have been joined by their families for parts of the tour, often over Christmas and New Years.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-23/michael-vaughan-says-ashes-would-be-a-farce/100316590
 
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/57976072

England men's players will meet with the England and Wales Cricket Board as some consider pulling out of this winter's Ashes if their families are not allowed to travel to Australia.

Talks between players, the ECB and the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) are due this week.

Australia has some of the strictest Covid-19 protocols in the world.

Players who take part in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes face the prospect of being away from home for four months.

The first Ashes Test in Brisbane begins on 8 December, but players who also take part in the T20 World Cup - starting in October - are due to leave the UK in mid-September.

They would then potentially not return home until after the final Test in Perth ends on 18 January.

An update to the ECB from Cricket Australia and the Australian government is due in early August.

The situation is complicated by parts of Australia being in lockdown, while the five Ashes Tests will be played in five different states, which have their own regulations.

England are due to train in Loughborough on Wednesday, before the squad for the first Test against India at Trent Bridge, which starts on 4 August, assembles at the weekend.

There is thought to be concern among the players, a number of whom have young families. One has indicated to BBC Sport that he would be reluctant to take a full part in the Ashes series if his family are not allowed to travel.

Historically, families have joined England players on Ashes tours, which span Christmas and New Year.

The Ashes is due to take place without travelling England fans and limited representation from overseas media.

If England are not at full strength, the credibility of the oldest Test series in cricket would come into question.

One solution could be for the series to be delayed by a year, with England instead touring Pakistan, where are they due to visit in late 2022.

That would tie in with a T20 World Cup due to be held in Australia in the autumn of 2022, but would require Australia to reschedule Tests against other opponents.

England are due to leave for Bangladesh, where they will begin their preparations for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, on about 19 September.

Those taking part in the Ashes will head to Australia after the World Cup, which ends on 14 November.

They will join a group of red-ball specialists who will leave the UK in early November.

All members of the England party will be required to quarantine for 14 days when they enter Australia, regardless of where they arrive from.

Australia players who take part in the T20 World Cup will be in the same situation.

England are set to warm up for the Ashes with a series of intra-squad matches also involving England Lions.
Click to expand...
 
Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that the SLC Headquarters started to operate with a minimal number of employees, effective from today.

The decision was taken, following the detection of two SLC employees as Covid Positive, and also considering the current health situation in the country.

Whilst the rest of the employees attends to regular work via virtual measures.

In the meantime, at the High-Performance Center (HPC), player rehabilitation and fitness programs will operate, whilst no squad training programs will take place as the players are currently in Pallekele to take part in the Invitational T20 League.
 
Wicket Keeper - Batsman Kusal Janith Perera has tested positive for Covid – 19.

He was found to be positive during a PCR test which was carried out on the players yesterday (15th August 2021).

Following the detection, Perera is undergoing due medical protocols pertaining to Covid – 19.
 
An ECB spokesperson said: “The start of the LV= Insurance County Championship match between Warwickshire and Hampshire at Edgbaston has been delayed until 11.30am following confirmation of a positive Covid-19 case within the Hampshire squad.

“The safety of players, officials and staff is our priority and it was important that an investigation was completed before determining it was safe to begin the match.”

Off record
Hampshire player will not take part – he is the only player affected.
PHE has cleared match as medically safe.
We’ll make up time with extra half-hour play on day one and two
 
OMB said:
An ECB spokesperson said: “The start of the LV= Insurance County Championship match between Warwickshire and Hampshire at Edgbaston has been delayed until 11.30am following confirmation of a positive Covid-19 case within the Hampshire squad.

“The safety of players, officials and staff is our priority and it was important that an investigation was completed before determining it was safe to begin the match.”

Off record
Hampshire player will not take part – he is the only player affected.
PHE has cleared match as medically safe.
We’ll make up time with extra half-hour play on day one and two
Click to expand...
Public Health England?

Why let those clowns get involved? They are the laughing stock of the medical world. Apart from their incompetent decisions, they publically doctored their own Covid statistics and made thousands of deaths disappear at the push of a button.

At least the man responsible for the 1978 Birmingham Medical School smallpox outbreak was honourable enough to cut his own throat in response to the deaths on his watch.

Whereas in contrast Public Health England don’t even acknowledge their own disgrace, and continue to act as if they were a respectable organisation, when the reality is that their appalling decisions have led to tens of thousands of preventable deaths.

They are due to be closed down this month, which cannot come a moment too soon

It’s absolutely appalling that the ECB consults these incompetent charlatans, and it represents an abdication of the ECB’s duty of care to its players and supporters.
 
Cricket Australia

Get ready for Tom Harrison’s ECB pulling out of the Ashes!
 
Cricket Australia StatementThe Marsh Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled to begin today, has been postponed due to a possible COVID-19 case in the Victorian side.

In the course of routine COVID-19 testing, Will Sutherland has returned a test result which requires further analysis. The Victorian team is currently self-isolating while this analysis and investigation takes place.

Cricket Australia will provide further updates in due course.
 
Cricket Australia Statement

The Marsh Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria will begin tomorrow morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia, Cricket New South Wales and Cricket Victoria will continue to prioritise the health and safety of all players, match officials, staff and fans throughout the match.

Victorian player Will Sutherland has returned a second positive COVID-19 test and is self-isolating. The remainder of the Victorian squad and support staff have been tested for COVID-19. Ten members have returned negative test results, with the remaining six outstanding.

No members of the Victorian squad and support staff have been deemed close contacts of Sutherland under NSW Health guidelines. Should all negative tests be returned, the match can begin.

The match will be a full four-day fixture and begin at 10:30am AEDT tomorrow morning.

The Marsh One-Day Cup match between the two sides remains scheduled for Wednesday, November 24 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Dr John Orchard, Cricket Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, said:

“Will Sutherland is currently self-isolating and experiencing minor symptoms after testing positive. He is in good spirits and in regular contact with Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia staff.

“We are satisfied the Marsh Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria can begin safely tomorrow.

“While it is impossible to remove all risk from this situation, Will was relatively non-infectious during his periods of interaction with members of the Victorian team.

“As such, and due to their compliance with biosecurity protocols, all members of the Victorian squad have been deemed casual contacts. They will be able to take the field at the SCG tomorrow subject to receiving negative results."
 
Three Sri Lanka players at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating.

The players tested positive following a screening of all team members after one player showed mild symptoms, as per the bio-secure protocols in place to ensure the safety of all participants in the nine-team event, which got underway in Harare today. Two of the players are experiencing mild symptoms, whilst the third is asymptomatic. All three are isolating and receiving the appropriate medical care.

The remainder of the Sri Lanka squad are negative but are currently isolating as a precaution and will be re-tested ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands on Tuesday.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said the event would be proceeding as planned: “We have playing squads of 15 at the event, which allows for injuries and illness, including COVID-19 to be managed, and in addition teams have had the option of bringing traveling reserves with them. As you would expect, the remainder of the squad are being closely monitored and they will all be re-tested ahead of taking to the field on Tuesday.

“The event bio-security plan provides us with protocols to manage positive tests effectively with the intention of enabling the event to proceed whilst keeping all other players and participants safe.”

Sri Lanka play the Netherlands in their opening match on Tuesday with their remaining Group A matches on Saturday (vs the West Indies) and Monday (vs Ireland). Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Zimbabwe and the USA form Group B, with three sides from each group making it to the Super Six stage, in which the final placings will be decided.

The tournament decides three qualifiers for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand from 4 March to 3 April, joining five teams who have already qualified through the ICC Women’s Championship – Australia, England, India, South Africa and hosts New Zealand.

The three qualifiers as well as the next two teams will also ensure places in the next ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) along with the top five from last time, as the number of teams in the third cycle of the IWC goes up from eight to 10 teams.
 
NEW

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB) are aware of news reports doing the rounds regarding the Netherlands tour to South Africa being cancelled or postponed.

Both boards can confirm that following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend.

The KNCB is reviewing all of its options, while prioritising the physical and mental well-being of its players.

A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered.

No other comment will be offered until a definite resolution has been reached.
 
The ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Zimbabwe has been abandoned.

The tournament, scheduled to be played till 5 December, would have decided the final three spots for the ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year as well as the remaining two berths in the next cycle of the ICC Women's Championship.

However, with the emergence of the latest Covid-19 variant in South Africa and the introduction of travel restrictions from a number of African countries, including the host country Zimbabwe, the ICC has decided to call off the event, with the qualification slots decided as per team rankings, in keeping with the tournament's playing conditions.

Hence, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will now progress to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, with Sri Lanka and Ireland occupying the other slots for the 2022-25 cycle of the ICC Women's Championship.

"We are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel the remainder of this event but with travel restrictions from a number of African countries being imposed at such short notice, there was a serious risk that teams would be unable to return home," said Chris Tetley, the ICC Head of Events.

"We have explored a number of options to allow us to complete the event but it isn’t feasible and we will fly the teams out of Zimbabwe as soon as possible. Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will now qualify for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 by virtue of their rankings, whilst Sri Lanka and Ireland will also join them in the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship," he added.

Play in two of the three matches scheduled for Saturday – Zimbabwe v Pakistan and USA v Thailand – started as scheduled but the third fixture of the day, between the West Indies and Sri Lanka, could not be staged as a member of the Sri Lanka team support staff tested positive for COVID-19.
 
COLOMBO: Six Sri Lanka women cricketers who took part in a World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe have tested positive for COVID-19, the Asian country's cricket board said on Sunday.

Cricket's governing body ICC abandoned the qualifiers in Zimbabwe on Saturday after discovery of a new COVID-19 variant in South Africa, which prompted widespread travel curbs.

It was not known whether the Sri Lankan players' positive tests were for the new Omicron variant of the virus.

The ICC took its decision after Saturday's game between the West Indies and Sri Lanka was called off when a member of the Sri Lankan support staff tested positive for COVID-19.

"Steps will be taken to bring back the Sri Lanka women's team from Zimbabwe," the Sri Lankan cricket board (SLC) said.

The detection of the Omicron variant in South Africa has prompted some countries to tighten border controls and impose curbs on travel from several southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.

After the cancellation of the qualifiers, the ICC said that Bangladesh, Pakistan and the West Indies will progress to next year's World Cup in New Zealand by virtue of their rankings.

The three nations will join New Zealand, Australia, India, England and South Africa.

South African sport began to shut down on Friday as the travel bans forced rugby teams and golfers to scramble to try to leave the country.
 
The Indian tour to SA, the Ashes is in serious doubt now
 
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) can confirm that all three, Round 4, Division Two CSA 4-Day Domestic Series matches scheduled to take place between 02-05 December have been postponed.

The competition is not being held in a Bio-Secure Environment (BSE) and in the last couple of days, some positive COVID-19 test results have emerged following team pre-arrival testing sessions.

Activating the precautionary and preventative measures stipulated in the organisation’s COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all involved is a top priority for CSA.

CSA is monitoring the situation closely and a decision regarding the remainder of the fixtures this year will be made in due course as it develops.

In addition, the CSA B-section 3-Day and 1-Day matches featuring Northerns and Easterns set for the same weekend have also been postponed until 2022.



CSA 4-Day Series Division Two Matches –

Division Two

Round 4 – Fixtures (02-05 December):

Eastern Cape Iinyathi P – P Northern Cape Heat (Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London)

Limpopo Impalas P – P Six Gun Grill South Western Districts (Polokwane Cricket Club, Polokwane)

Mpumalanga Rhinos P – P Easterns Storm (Uplands College, White River)
 
Savak said:
The Indian tour to SA, the Ashes is in serious doubt now
Click to expand...

Maybe not the Ashes. The England players are already in Australia and can fulfil the fixtures. Just depends I guess on whether the quarantine assurances / relaxations that they have been given can be upheld as current events continue to unfold.
 
Two members of Bangladesh women's team tested positive for Covid-19 after returning home from Zimbabwe, forcing the national cricket body to extend the isolation period.

Bangladesh team had participated in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 qualifiers and has been in quarantine after returning home.

With a new Covid-19 variant, which originated in South Africa, rocking the world, the Bangladesh government had imposed new travel rules on people returning from the African country.

"The team members, who were sharing the same room, had returned negative results in the two tests conducted in Dhaka on December 1 and 3. However, the report from a third PCR test on December 6 has shown both to be Covid-19 positive," BCB was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"As such, the mandatory isolation of the team, which was due to end today (Monday, December 6, 2021), has been extended as per the Covid-19 Management Protocol of the BCB. The team members will undergo further tests and evaluation during the extended isolation."

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...est-positive-for-covid19-101638810511759.html
 
Homeward bound for West Indies Women’s Squad after lengthy COVID-19 hold up

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Women squad will begin their journey home from Oman starting on Friday, December 10, after quarantining in Oman for 11 days. The quarantine requirement followed the cancellation of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s Cricket World Cup qualification tournament in Zimbabwe where the West Indies Women had already successfully begun their qualification pursuit with an early victory.

New and more severe global restrictions against travelers from a number of African countries, including Zimbabwe, forced the ICC to abandon the tournament prematurely, and to send competing teams home as quickly as possible. The squad was flown to Oman by an ICC private charter, with a short stopover in Namibia, along with eight other international squads. Oman was used as a staging area for the West Indies Women’s squad while they awaited an available route home.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave expressed CWI’s gratitude to the ICC and Oman Cricket for safely assisting and accommodating the West Indies team.

Grave said: “We are pleased to confirm that the West Indies Women’s squad will soon be making their way back home. We want to thank them for their patience and understanding as we worked with our counterparts at the ICC and Oman Cricket to facilitate their return at the earliest opportunity. We want to express our appreciation to the ICC, Oman Cricket and our operations team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was comfortable, and remained safe.”

Head Coach Courtney Walsh said: “The team is relieved by the good news that we will be home with our families before Christmas. The sudden cancellation of the Qualifiers and transition period in Oman has been mentally taxing on the entire team, both for the players and management staff. As a management group, we tried to ensure that the players remained in a positive frame of mind. Our Strength and Conditioning Coach created a fitness challenge for all of us to participate in for the duration of the quarantine period, as it was something to take our minds off what was happening. I must say thanks to our Team Manager, the ICC and Oman Cricket, for all their logistical work, in ensuring we’re on our way home as quickly as possible.”

The players and team management are expected to arrive at their various West Indian home territories over the course of the next few days.

Following the termination of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, ICC announced that the West Indies Women along with Pakistan Women and Bangladesh Women secured the final three qualification spots for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup by virtue of the existing ICC Women’s ODI rankings. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will be played in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3, 2022.
 
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) can confirm the precautionary postponement of the remaining round of the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series across Divisions One and Two for 2021.

The decision to defer the fifth round of matches, which were scheduled to take place between 16-19 December (Division Two) and 19-22 December (Division One), was taken as a safeguarding measure in light of the competition being held outside of a bio-secure environment and amid the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The postponed matches, including round four, will be rescheduled in the new year.
 
Despite the tournament having secured an official backer (sponsor), CSA can confirm that the Mzansi Super League (MSL) scheduled for February 2022 has been called off owing to the COVID 19 environment which has made it difficult to maintain the brand proposition of being the premium international T20 tournament, due to increased travel restrictions as imposed by many nations on South Africa since the discovery of Omicron variant of the virus.
 
Not confirmed formally yet. But USA-Ireland tour appears to be off due to positive Covid tests.

0F2059B6-A8F1-4DD0-B0FC-A089906EE72D.jpg
 
With the Ireland Men’s squad due to depart Florida for Jamaica tomorrow, a final round of PCR tests has revealed three Irish players have tested positive for COVID.

Paul Stirling, Shane Getkate and George Dockrell all registered positive tests and have been isolated, with a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Dockrell, however, had tested positive prior to travelling to the USA and has a recovery certificate from that infection, so may be able to join the squad earlier.

The players will likely re-join the squad in Jamaica around 9 January, dependent upon subsequent PCR tests showing negative results, although Dockrell may join earlier if a subsequent test comes back negative.
 
Travis Head tests positive

This was inevitable: several state governments are now allowing reckless Covid spread, and this series is only viable now in absolute bubble conditions.
 
The cricketing context of this only makes sense if you understand the Australian context of these events.

Australia has a National Plan for opening up after a Zero Covid policy applied until optimal vaccination levels were reached. The strategy has allowed the economy to flourish (the Zero Covid states of Western Australia and Queensland this year achieved the world's Number 1 and Number 3 performing regional economies according to Standard and Poors), and Australia has had a unique trifecta in the first 18 months of the Pandemic in which:

1. The economy survived more strongly than any other OECD country.
2. Life expectancy went up (only Denmark and NZ on the planet achieved this)
3. The suicide rate went down 6.2% - the nation's biggest ever one year improvement in mental health.

The National Plan for reopening was signed off by each state government and the Commonwealth government in August 2021, and allowed for gradual transition from Hotel to Home Quarantine for international arrivals and reduced use of lockdowns conditional upon EVERY state reaching agreed benchmarks for

1. vaccination,
2. contact tracing and
3. low daily case numbers.

Then the NSW Premier resigned in a corruption scandal and was replaced by her right-wing Treasurer.

Suddenly both the state of NSW and the Commonwealth (national) government reneged on the agreed National Plan.

NSW opened everything - and breached the National Plan by abolishing international quarantine - and in doing so have let Omicron in (which has not happened in New Zealand) and allowed case numbers to reach a level which in pre-Omicron days would have been unusually high even for recalcitrant jurisdictions like the UK.

But the problem - and this is where The Ashes is in trouble - is that neither NSW nor the Commonwealth has had any semblance of a plan for dealing with the consequences of their reopening.

Predictably case numbers are rocketing, but PCR testing was never going to cope with these case levels and they did not organise themselves to bring enough rapid testing (lateral flow) tests into the country as an alternative, let alone make them free like in the UK.

We already knew from multiple examples - notably the UK - that high levels of vaccination targeting the extinct Wuhan strain cannot control this pandemic without additional measures. But NSW and the Commonwealth made no preparation for those additional measures, they just followed the UK's failed strategy.

How does this affect The Ashes?

Once it became clear that:

1. Infection levels are going through the roof across Australia except Western Australia.
2. There is no testing capacity to stay on top of whether the cleaners, restaurant staff, drivers etc are positive or negative.

.......there were only two options.

Option 1 was to go cap in hand to Western Australia, apologise for the attitude towards it earlier this summer, and to grovel and ask if the teams could quarantine there and then play the last two Tests there.

Option 2 was to immediately take all players, hotel and backroom and broadcast staff into a strict bubble, like the 2020 English summer conditions.

Instead we find Cricket Australia lost, and just hoping nobody else tests positive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

E
What impact did regime change bring to Pakistan Cricket?
Replies
76
Views
1K
AZulfi
AZulfi
BouncerGuy
“You want players who score runs and have a huge impact on the game in a positive way”: Mike Hesson
Replies
28
Views
1K
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
dildilpak
Pakistan’s quest for the next ICC Trophy
Replies
65
Views
4K
Justcrazy
Justcrazy
BouncerGuy
Pakistan U19 squad announced for Tri-series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, and ICC U19 World Cup 2026
Replies
36
Views
2K
Omer2002
O
Ball Blazer
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule announced: Pakistan and India set to clash on February 15
2
Replies
88
Views
5K
saimayubera
saimayubera
Back
Top