What's new

No domestic cricket until August 1 as ECB restructures summer calendar

MenInG

MenInG

PakPassion Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 2, 2004
Runs
218,128
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today agreed that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least July 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The season remains subject to ongoing advice from government and health experts, and continued consultation with all broadcast partners to determine the optimum way to fulfil fixtures both domestically and internationally.

The ECB Board approved the following measures:


Professional cricket will not be played in England and Wales until at least July 1

Nine rounds of fixtures will be lost in the County Championship season, but blocks for red-ball and white-ball cricket will be held in a revised schedule

The Vitality Blast will be pushed as late in the season as possible to give it the best opportunity of being staged. All matches previously scheduled in June will be moved later in the season

International cricket, featuring England men’s and women’s teams, will look to be scheduled from July until the end of September, with the West Indies Test Series and the whole women’s series against India (Vitality IT20s and Royal London ODIs) both moving from their original slots

An additional Board meeting will be scheduled next Wednesday on The Hundred, following a request to dedicate a further session to the competition

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said:

“Our role as a national governing body during a crisis of this scale requires us to carefully plan alongside cricket’s stakeholders and supporters to attempt to overcome COVID-19’s impact on this season.

“As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority - over and above the playing of professional sport - will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole.

"That's why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it's safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if Government guidance permits.

"Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers optimum safety and security for all concerned. The guidance we receive from Westminster will help us shape how we deliver this.

“Our plan is to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play. The Vitality Blast will also now occupy the latest possible season slot to offer as much time as possible to play a County short-form competition.

"I want to thank everyone involved in this complex and sensitive work. There have clearly never been times like this and my colleagues at the ECB and across the game have been exemplary in this period. It has been refreshing, but not surprising, to see how cricket has come together.”


In modelling the revised schedule, the ECB is focusing on:

1. Public safety, health and wellbeing of players, operational staff and cricket fans;

2. The most financially important forms of cricket for our First-Class Counties: International cricket and the Vitality Blast to help ensure the future of 18 First-Class Counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC);

3. Working closely with our broadcast partners to provide as much live cricket as possible to cricket fans; and

4. Supporting the women’s game to continue its growth journey


The broader game

As the situation unfolds, consultation will be ongoing between the ECB, First-Class Counties, MCC and Professional Cricketers’ Association to understand the changing concerns and needs of the professional game’s chief stakeholders.

Fixtures in the first season of the new women’s regional competition are currently scheduled for later in the summer and will be given further consideration down the line.

The suspension of recreational cricket remains until further notice.

The Original April/May/June Cricket Schedule

1. The English professional domestic cricket season was scheduled to get underway on March 24 with the traditional Champion County match between holders Essex and MCC in Galle, Sri Lanka.

2. The MCCU matches were due to commence in the first week of April while the County Championship would have started on Sunday April 12.

3. In total there were nine rounds of County Championship action scheduled up to July 1.

4. The Vitality Blast was due to commence on May 28 and would have had 11 group matches up until the end of June.

5. England men’s three-match Test series against West Indies was due to start at the Kia Oval on June 5 followed by the second Test at Edgbaston on June 12 and the third Test at Lord’s commencing on June 25.

6. Two England women’s IT20s against India were planned for June 25 and June 27 at Bristol and Taunton.
 
The Professional Cricketers’ Association supports the decision to extend the delay to the start of the professional cricket season until at least 1 July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PCA continues to be involved in various working groups, collaboratively with the ECB and first-class counties and agreed to the recommendation of delaying the season by a further month, which has been approved by the ECB Board.
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:

“Our focus still remains on following Government and NHS advice at this difficult time for our members and everybody in society.

“As the players representative body we do have to plan for the resumption of cricket and to ensure player safety. We are pleased with the consultation process and the steps taken to protect the players and the game at this time.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with the ECB and the first-class counties in regards to the environments and schedules for cricket to return. We are still hopeful we will be able to return to playing international and domestic cricket this summer but only when the Government advice allows us to do so.

“Through these times of uncertainty, our member services team have adapted to the situation to continue their excellent service for members in supporting their wellbeing while providing ideas and opportunities while staying at home.

“The PCA will continue engaging with our members on a consistent basis to provide the necessary support and guidance as we remain resolute in standing together to support each other through this crisis.”
 
No cricket until July 1 as ECB restructures summer calendar

No professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least July 1 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ECB have confirmed, while there will be a Board meeting next Wednesday (April 29) to discuss the future of The Hundred.

The governing body had previously announced that no cricket would be played until May 28 but that date has now been an extended. An ECB Board meeting on Thursday (April 23) approved a number of measures which would significantly restructure the English season should some cricket be possible this summer.

If matches can begin, they will likely be played behind closed doors without supporters in "bio-secure" grounds to ensure the safety of all those involved in the matches. The ECB have already started planning for such eventualities but even then, government approval would be necessary before any matches could take place.

Any revised schedule will focus on playing international cricket and the Vitality T20 Blast, the two most financially important forms of the game as the ECB look to minimise their financial losses. The ECB previously said that The Hundred would also be prioritised but that position has now changed which suggests the new competition will, at the very least, be postponed until next year. A further Board meeting will be held next week dedicated to discussing future of The Hundred.

The ECB hope for a window of international cricket between July and the end of September with the three Tests against West Indies, originally scheduled for June, pushed back as well as the women's ODI and T20I series against India. It is possible Test and limited overs series will run concurrently, albeit with matches played on different days.

In terms of domestic cricket, the Vitality T20 Blast, which was set to begin on May 28, will be pushed back as late into the season as possible to give it the best chance of being played with the ECB recognising the importance of that tournament's revenue for the 18 first-class counties. All group matches scheduled for June will be rearranged for later in the season.

The ECB Board also approved the concept of having blocks of red and white ball cricket in a revised schedule. Nine rounds of fixtures will be lost in the County Championship up to the beginning of July which means any red-ball cricket would be on a very different basis to normal. One option is for the Championship to not be contested and matches played as friendlies simply to get some red-ball cricket in.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: "As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority - over and above the playing of professional sport - will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole over. That's why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it's safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if Government guidance permits.

"Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers optimum safety and security for all concerned. The guidance we receive from Westminster will help us shape how we deliver this.

"Our plan is to reschedule international matches as late as possible in the season to give the best chance of play. The Vitality Blast will also now occupy the latest possible season slot to offer as much time as possible to play a County short-form competition."
 
Can recreational cricket begin before this [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] ?
 
The shutdown on cricket in England and Wales will remain until at least 1 July, meaning the postponement of England's Test series against West Indies.

No domestic competitions have been cancelled yet, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will meet on Wednesday to discuss the inaugural season of The Hundred, which is due to start on 17 July.

The domestic season, scheduled to start on 12 April, had been delayed until at least 28 May because of coronavirus.

The ECB says it will look to schedule all international cricket between July and the end of September.

England women's limited-overs series against India - scheduled to start on 25 June - has also been postponed.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: "As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority - over and above the playing of professional sport - will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole.

"That's why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it's safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if government guidance permits."

England's men were due to play three Tests against West Indies, starting on 4 June, followed by visits from Australia, Pakistan and Ireland.

The women were set for two Twenty internationals against India, followed by four one-day internationals in July.

After a board meeting on Thursday, the ECB said blocks for domestic first-class and limited-overs cricket will be included in a new schedule.

ECB planning for matches behind closed doors

Harrison said international and county matches could be played behind closed doors, with players and officials potentially staying in a "bio-secure" environment.

He told the BBC that the ECB is "starting to get comfortable with the idea that there won't be crowds this summer".

"Much of our planning is now based on what behind closed-doors-cricket might look like," he said.

"If you talk about the measures the government has got in place through this lockdown and the subtle messaging that's coming out about the longevity of some of the measures, probably the last lever the government is likely to pull is the one around mass gatherings.

"That is obviously something for us that impacts the ability to put cricket fans into stadia."

The ECB will prioritise the most financially important forms of the game, its commitment to broadcasters and the growth of the women's game.

To that end, the Twenty20 Blast, which was due to begin on 28 May and had 11 rounds of matches scheduled up until the beginning of July, will be pushed as late as possible into the season.

Nine rounds of the four-day County Championship have been lost, but the ECB moved to allay fears that no domestic first-class cricket would be played by stating that a window for red-ball cricket will be scheduled.

The men's version of The Hundred, which will feature eight city-based franchises, is set to run from 15 July to 14 August, and the women's competition from 22 July until 14 August.

'Games could be played in UAE'

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson, whose county will host the Oval Invincibles, said he does not think The Hundred will be held this year.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I can't see how in a season of four months you could possibly cram that in with an international schedule, which is crucial; the Blast, which is essential to the counties; and the County Championship, which is still the gold standard."

Thompson also said it is possible to extend the season by playing matches in the United Arab Emirates.

The MCC Champion County match, the curtain-raiser to the domestic season, was played in Abu Dhabi between 2010 and 2018, and several counties often play pre-season matches in the UAE.

The UAE has been less affected by coronavirus than many parts of the world, recording 56 deaths so far.

"Abu Dhabi have made it clear that they could host matches if the season is to be extended," said Thompson.

"If the season needed two months to finish the competitions, they could potentially host it. Abu Dhabi have got four grounds now and Dubai have got three. It's not beyond the realms of possibility.

"There's a significant cost to ship 18 counties to one location and to play a tournament out that way. But if there is no possibility of playing in this country then you've got to be creative."

The suspension of all recreational cricket remains until further notice.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/52409980
 
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) on the advice and agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), announces the postponement of the West Indies Men’s three (3) Test series against England in June, to a future date to be determined.

The decision to postpone the tour came as a result of the uncertainty for the safe resumption of cricket in the United Kingdom, as well as international air travel. As a result, it was a logically mutual decision to postpone the tour to a later date until clearance is granted by the UK government. The proposed window for the likely staging of this series is now July until the end of September.

Chief Executive Officer of CWI, Johnny Grave said, “We continue to be in regular dialogue with the ECB on when and how we might be able to rearrange the Test Series. Clearly playing in June is now not possible and we will continue our discussions with the ECB and other Internationals Boards on trying to find new dates. We will only travel to England to play the series if our players can be assured that it is safe to do so. Our respective Medical Teams are beginning to discuss how this series could be played whist guaranteeing the health and safety of our players and support team. We will be as flexible as we can without compromising the safety of our team.”

The West Indies were scheduled to play the three-match Test series from June 4-8, The Oval, June 12-16 Edgbaston, June 25-29 Lord’s.
 
How long before the ECB begs the BCCI for a handout?
 
Coronavirus has given cricket chance to rationalise crazy calendar

Tom Harrison is the sort of guy you want in a crisis. Mainly due to his masterful refusal to acknowledge the fact that there’s a crisis at all. As the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board delivered his latest update on how the game intends to weather the coronavirus pandemic, you wondered whether he had been watching the same sombre bulletins as the rest of us.

The forestalment of the season until 1 July, with the prospect of further setbacks to come, provided “an opportunity, as much as anything”. The challenge of rejigging a schedule already ransacked by cancellations and postponements was “an interesting experiment”. The spirit of cooperation within the game, Harrison insisted, was “very, very positive and optimistic”. By the end of it, you felt weirdly buoyant about the whole scenario. Hurrah for Covid-19! Three cheers for cricket! A clap for our brave, heroic stakeholders!

There was something strange about the room Harrison was sitting in. Hanging on the wall behind him, in what you had to assume was his living room or home office, were about half a dozen framed photographs of idyllic, sun-kissed landscapes: the sort of generic pictures that often come free with the frame when you buy them. Blissfully deserted beaches. Swaying palm trees. Postcard sunsets. It felt like a subliminal attempt to convey a message of extreme calm.

Of course, there is plenty to be said for maintaining a certain optimism at a time like this, particularly when there are some gut-wrenching decisions to be delegated in the weeks ahead. On the substance of those decisions, however, there was rather less to go on. Still no word on where things stand with the broadcasters. Still no word on the Hundred, whose fate will be decided at a further meeting next Wednesday. Still no word on what, if any, domestic cricket would take place in a truncated season.

There are no answers, because at present there can be no answers. English cricket, like many of its overseas counterparts and in common with many other sports, has its hands tied by a schedule and a wider culture that for years has been geared in just one direction: towards more of everything. More formats and more fixtures, stretching ever earlier into spring and ever later into autumn, squeezing the gaps in the calendar until players are delirious with fatigue and the red-ball and white-ball games have been driven irreconcilably apart.

Until now there has been no incentive to rationalise any of this, because nobody ever made their fortune in cricket by arguing for less of it. In a way, the pandemic has merely underlined what we have long tacitly known: that the schedule is full well beyond breaking point. That when you are blithely insisting it is possible to schedule four domestic competitions and four men’s international series in the space of three months, when you are unable to extend the season by more than a few weeks because that would bring it in direct conflict with a Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, a point of absurdity has long been passed.

The only real questions, then, are what we lose, and in what order. The County Championship and the One-Day Cup, almost certainly. The Hundred will surely have to go back in the can for a year. In practice, it’s hard to see how the epidemiological tide could turn in time for a white-ball series against Australia to be sanctioned. England’s international summer could well consist of four four-day Tests, two against West Indies, two against Pakistan – the minimum length for a World Test Championship series – held without crowds at a bio-secure Rose Bowl or Old Trafford in September.

As for women’s cricket, the ECB will surely be aware of the optics of busting a gut to salvage the men’s international calendar, while simultaneously allowing the women’s summer – six ODIs and six T20s against India and South Africa – to disappear without comment. But when asked whether he could offer a guarantee that if all the men’s international fixtures could be scheduled, all the women’s games would be played too, he pointedly could not.

You could ask similar questions about other areas of the game: about counties going under, players and staff struggling to make ends meet, clubs shutting their doors never to open them again. But that’s not really the “growth mindset” the ECB wants to engender right now. This is, after all, a huge opportunity to imagineer the future of English cricket. And it’s only right we embrace it with the enthusiasm it demands.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...-cricket-chance-to-rationalise-crazy-calendar
 
Whilst above applies mainly to England cricket - similar lessons also there for Cricket on a worldwide scale too.

Is too much cricket being played around the world?
 
The workload is definitely intense for cricketers, especially those who play in all formats. India has the toughest workload for sure. There is so much franchise T20 cricket played all around the world - you can do well financially playing a few leagues.
 
Tom Harrison: ECB has 'multiple offers' from countries to host games

The England and Wales Cricket Board has received "multiple offers" from other countries to help complete the domestic season.

On Friday the ECB said no cricket would be played in England or Wales before 1 July because of coronavirus.

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson earlier said Abu Dhabi had offered to host matches for the ECB.

"We've had offers as far away as Australia and New Zealand," said ECB chief executive Tom Harrison.

"Those offers are on the table.

"I haven't had anything from Abu Dhabi, but that's not to say the offer hasn't been made."

The domestic season was due to begin on 12 April. After initially being pushed back to 28 May, the latest delay means England's three-Test series against West Indies, due to begin on 4 June, and England women's limited-overs series with India, scheduled to start in late June, have been postponed.

In announcing the extension of the shutdown, the ECB said it will try to reschedule all men's and women's international cricket from July to September.

It also said it will create windows for domestic first-class and limited-overs competitions, pushing the T20 Blast as far back into the summer as possible.

Any decision to take matches - either domestic or international - to another country would have to fit into a men's winter calendar that already features the T20 World Cup in Australia, England tours of India and South Africa, and a potentially rescheduled two-Test series in Sri Lanka that was cut short in March.

With regard to matches that could be played in the UK this summer, Harrison said the ECB is becoming "comfortable with the idea there won't be crowds".

While he said it is too early to say exactly how cricket behind closed doors would be played, Harrison said there would be need to be "significant testing", as well as moving international matches to the grounds best suited to the demands of such a scenario.

For example, Old Trafford and Southampton have hotels within the ground, where players and officials could stay on site.

"Inevitably, behind closed doors does change the venue allocation and the mindset," Harrison said.

"It goes from taking the game around the country to give fans a chance to see England in their back yard. That shifts because there's no-one seeing England play live at all.

"Venues that are best suited to providing the right conditions will be in a strong position.

"You can see what other sports are considering: allocating neutral venues for all matches and then playing in those. That's the lens we're putting on this. What's the minimum number of grounds we need for our desired international schedule and how to cater for that."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/52412064
 
ECB have jumped the gun here. I think the premiership will get approval to resume fixtures behind closed doors and start as early as the second week of May. ECB could have easily followed suit and played their international fixtures easily during May and June
 
New Zealand cricket officials have called for the sport to rally round the English game as it faces the possibility of a wipeout this summer because of the coronavirus.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison revealed on Friday that he had offers 'on the table' from both New Zealand and Australia, as English cricket explores all options in a bid to fulfil its busy fixture list.

The chief executive of the New Zealand board, David White, told the Mail on Sunday: 'We really feel for the ECB right now, given the disruption to their season, and are wanting to help in any way we can.

'I'm in constant contact with Tom and have communicated that offer to him, should it become possible at our end. We're part of a global cricket family, and we need to support each other.'

The offer is not understood to include specifics at this stage, but New Zealand – who have had success staving off the pandemic, suffering only 18 deaths so far – could come into play this winter as a venue for England to stage 'home' matches if they struggle to host games this summer.

The ECB have now put back the start of the 2020 season twice – first to May 28, and now to July 1 – though there is an acceptance at Lord's that the government's social-distancing measures may rule out any cricket at all before the summer's scheduled conclusion at the end of September.

Much will depend on whether cricket's administrators can persuade the government of the efficacy of proposed measures to create bio-secure venues, which in theory would lower the risk of infection.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/c...-English-cricket-amid-coronavirus-crisis.html
 
According to reports, England target July 8 for first Test against West Indies but no domestic cricket at all now likely.
 
MenInG said:
According to reports, England target July 8 for first Test against West Indies but no domestic cricket at all now likely.
Click to expand...

Please no! People will go crazy if there is no club cricket this year
 
West Indies will give their players the option to miss this summer’s tour of England as the two boards work towards staging a rearranged Test series under bio-secure conditions. They were due to defend the Wisden Trophy in June, but the coronavirus pandemic means the teams are awaiting details of a revised schedule with a possible start on 8 July behind closed doors, subject to government approval.

The England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies held initial talks on the subject on Friday evening, with a conference call that featured the two captains, Joe Root and Jason Holder, the head coaches, Chris Silverwood and Phil Simmons, as well as medical officers and administrators from both sides of the Atlantic.

An ECB spokesperson described the discussion as “wide-ranging, including dialogue around revised schedules and Covid-19 medical and bio-security planning”, but it was essentially the opening exchanges for what will be a lengthy process.

The Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford are viewed as frontrunners to host the three-Test series given their on-site hotels. But there remains a huge amount of detail for the ECB’s events and medical teams to work through, not least the availability of testing and the logistics of flying in players and support staff from multiple Caribbean islands.

Ensuring both sets of players and their unions are comfortable with the provisions and protocols will be key once Dr Nick Peirce, the ECB’s chief medical officer, and Dr Akshai Mansingh, his West Indies counterpart, have given their consent.

A source in the West Indies camp has described the process at their end as being similar to the talks that preceded the 2018 and 2019 tours of Pakistan by their men’s and women’s teams, albeit with health, not security, as the primary concern. On those occasions West Indies allowed players who were not assuaged to stay at home without the decision being held against them by the selectors. Holder and Carlos Brathwaite were among those to skip the men’s tour on security grounds, while the women’s captain, Stafanie Taylor, followed suit 12 months later.

The Observer has been told the same policy will be in place but Holder expects his players will travel. The West Indies Test captain told CNC3 TV in Trinidad: “To play at the highest level to empty stands to me is not ideal, but if circumstances do dictate that has to be the case, well I just think we’ve got to get on with it. It’s a bigger picture of cricket actually being played, so it’s just a matter for us to get on with it and accept it for what it is if it comes to that.”

Holder would be loth to bring over a weakened team, not least having beaten England 2-1 in the Caribbean last year — a performance that allied a fiery four-pronged pace attack with diligent batting — and also shown that the current generation can compete on British soil through their famous Shai Hope-inspired Headingley heist in 2017

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...s-to-opt-out-of-summer-test-series-in-england
 
Discussions around rescheduling West Indies' tour of England have included the possibility of the visitors going into isolation for as long as 14 days.

The three-Test series was due to begin in June, but the shutdown of cricket in England and Wales has been extended until at least 1 July.

The earliest date the first Test could begin is thought to be 8 July.

If the Windies are in isolation, they are likely to have access to practice facilities at a locked-down venue.

BBC Sport understands the visitors' planning involves leaving the Caribbean in mid-June, allowing enough time for any period of isolation, followed by practice matches.

The length of the isolation is another part of the discussions, with 14 days one of the options.

As it stands, there are no restrictions placed on overseas travellers arriving in the UK.

However, on Sunday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the BBC plans for screening and quarantining people coming from abroad were "a serious point under consideration".

On Saturday, the England and Wales Cricket Board said "positive" discussions had been held with Cricket West Indies over a revised schedule for the tour.

Any cricket that does take place this summer is likely to be behind closed doors, perhaps in a "bio-secure" environment.

Even then, the staging of matches and the ability of overseas teams to play in the UK will be determined by government guidelines.

Australia, Pakistan and Ireland are also due to tour England this summer.

The ECB has previously stated it is looking at rescheduling the international calendar for the period between July and the end of September.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/cricket/52522799
 
English Cricket Could Lose 380 Million Pounds if Entire Season is Wiped Out: ECB

English Cricket Could Lose 380 Million Pounds if Entire Season is Wiped Out: ECB

The ECB has already created a 61 million pound rescue package for the 18 county sides and has been offering grants and loans to recreational clubs, impacted by the outbreak.

PTI |May 5, 2020, 7:24 PM IST

English cricket could lose as much as 380 million pounds if the entire season is wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ECB chief executive Tom Harrison has claimed.

The projected loss takes into account the international as well as domestic games. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had last week suspended county season until July, with nine rounds abandoned.

"We anticipate that with no cricket this year - as a worst-case scenario for our planning purposes - that could be as bad as 380million. That would be the loss of 800 days of cricket across all our professional clubs and the ECB as well," Harisson was quoted as saying by the cricketer.com.

"If you take all of that revenue and put it at risk, that is the worst-case scenario for us this year. Unquestionably, for cricket it is the most significant financial challenge we've ever faced.

"Our ability to mitigate the potential financial impact does require us to try, where it's safe to do so and with government support, fill that hole. We are staring at a 100million-plus loss this year, whatever happens," Harrison said.

The ECB has already created a 61 million pound rescue package for the 18 county sides and has been offering grants and loans to recreational clubs, impacted by the outbreak.

"Cashflow is a very significant issue which we've tried to address as quickly as possible through the stimulus package we've put into the professional game," Harrison said.

"We came into 2020 in the best financial state that county cricket had been in for several decades, frankly, and this has thrown that into some uncertainty. We will continue to work with the counties to make sure we get through this."

He also claimed that The Hundred, which has now been postponed to next year, was expected to make a profit of 11 million pounds.

Link: https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...f-entire-season-is-wiped-out-ecb-2607019.html

Comments: Lol, have to admit, the BCCI have come out of this Covid Epidemic as the true big daddy. First Cricket Australia begged the BCCI for a handout with an unscheduled 5 test series tour, will the ECB follow suit as well now?
 
Covid-19 is making a bad situation worse. The truth is English cricket cannot afford to sustain 18 FC counties.

Over half of the revenues of counties like Leicestershire and Worcestershire come from ECB handouts. They were struggling to stay afloat even before the crisis.

Meanwhile ECB are burning through their reserves with the Hundred competition which is unlikely to make a profit in the first year. So worrying times.
 
MCC members have been told they will not be refunded subscriptions for 2020 despite the prospect of seeing cricket at Lord's being "increasingly remote".

The coronavirus pandemic has seen all cricket suspended until at least 1 July, with the lucrative new The Hundred tournament delayed until 2021.

The 18,000 members have been told their annual fees of more than £500 were the "bedrock" of the club's finances.

Chief executive Guy Lavender said it was "critical" the MCC acted.

"We face the very realistic prospect of substantial loss of income this season," Lavender said in an email to members.

The Hundred postponed until 2021

As well as England Test matches with the West Indies and Pakistan, Lord's was also due to host four of Middlesex's County Championship games, as well as five of the county's T20 Blast group matches and a day/night one-day game with Australia.

Events such as the National Club Championship final, Village Cup final and the Oxford v Cambridge Varsity match were also scheduled to take place at the venue.

"The effect on the club's finances of a loss of revenue of this scale is significant and this has required the committee to take a broader look at the situation," Lavender added.

Lavender said members who were suffering "major personal financial hardship" could ask the club for their fees back, but only "in situations of considerable need" and in the context of being "fair and considerate" to fellow members.

"Our club is not in crisis, or dire financial jeopardy," he added.

"Nevertheless, we must respond and react to the impact of the global pandemic in a timely and decisive manner.

"As members we share a responsibility to ensure we keep MCC and Lord's in good shape for future generations."

Meanwhile, Kumar Sangakkara is set to be offered a further year in the role of MCC club president.

The Coronavirus outbreak has led the committee recommending that Sangakkara, who began his term on 1 October 2019, be invited to serve until 30 September 2021. The motion will need to be approved at the annual general meeting on 24 June.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/52556847
 
“We have to be completely realistic,” Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket, said. “If the international women’s schedule can’t be fulfilled in full but a large amount of the men’s programme can this summer, which is going to reduce that £380m hole, we have to be realistic about that.

“We’ve got long-term ambitions for the game that extend beyond this summer, and trying to protect as much investment as possible over the next five years. That is largely going to come down to how much international men’s cricket can be staged this summer. That’s not to say we won’t be fighting hard to play against India and South Africa as best we can.” -

https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2...-as-potential-380m-loss-looms-ecb-coronavirus
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Not surprising.

We are probably many months away from getting back regular cricket.
 
Markhor said:
Covid-19 is making a bad situation worse. The truth is English cricket cannot afford to sustain 18 FC counties.

Over half of the revenues of counties like Leicestershire and Worcestershire come from ECB handouts. They were struggling to stay afloat even before the crisis.

Meanwhile ECB are burning through their reserves with the Hundred competition which is unlikely to make a profit in the first year. So worrying times.
Click to expand...

ive always been baffled by 18 teams for a country where cricket is the 3rd most popular team sport and which has a population of 60 mn
 
Reports indicate that PCB say that they will be willing to play an extra Test (4th) in their tour of England, in case the planned England v West Indies (3 Tests) series does not pan out.
 
Last edited:
MenInG said:
Reports indicate that PCB say that they will be willing to play an extra Test (4th) in their tour of England, in case the planned England v West Indies (3 Tests) series does not pan out.
Click to expand...
Thats actually great
I would love to see a 4 match test series
 
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart has reluctantly accepted there could yet be a long-term good for the county game should the coronavirus mean there is no domestic action this season for the first time since the Second World War.

The global outbreak of Covid-19 has seen the start of the 2020 English campaign delayed until 1 July at the earliest.

And with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) facing a potential loss of £380 million if there's no cricket at all, officials have made it clear that salvaging lucrative men's internationals, albeit behind closed doors, is their priority.

While far from happy at the prospect of a first season without county cricket since the Second World War, former England captain Stewart told the Telegraph: "If county cricket is not a cost effective exercise then I can understand why there would be opposition and the view 'why not save money and play next year?'.

"Tough decisions have to be made for the health of individuals but (also) the health of the game.

"Those tough financial decisions will not just be about this year but will be important for the next five years as well.

"In financial terms county clubs are generally on the same level as division one or two football clubs and everyone will find it hard if for example it costs 30 000 a week for testing twice a week.

"Times that by 18 counties and then that is a massive figure."

The likes of Rory Burns, the Curran brothers and Ollie Pope have all stepped off the Surrey production belt and into the England side in recent season.

But Stewart worries what a season without first-class cricket might mean for player development, especially if English rising stars are unable to gain overseas experience later in the year.

"It could be another year by the time they play again. By then they may have gone 18 months without any competitive cricket," he said.

"A lot of younger players when they first leave school will go to Australia for the winter and play grade cricket," added the 57-year-old Stewart.

"Will Australia be letting people in? We (Britain) have the second-highest death rate in the world (from the coronavirus).

"If you flipped it and asked would we be sending our lads to somewhere with the second-highest death rate I think there would be doubts."

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/s...st-county-cricket-wipeout-since-wwii-20200509
 
Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave thinks this summer's tour of England will go ahead, but says his players will be "very nervous" about travelling.

The three-Test series, due to start on 4 June, has been postponed until at least July because of coronavirus.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is exploring the use of bio-secure venues and quarantining players.

"There will be no coercing players into this tour," Grave said.

"If you grow up in a country where the population might only be 60,000 or 70,000 people, to be thinking the UK has had over 30,000 deaths is a massive figure."

Asked if he can see the Tests taking place, he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Tuffers and Vaughan show: "I think I can. We're right to be optimistic."

But he added: "We have to be absolutely clear that it's safe first and foremost.

"The ECB have got a long way to go to get UK government approval to be absolutely certain that bio-secure cricket will work."

Listen to the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast
Some anxieties over return to action - Buttler
Grave said the Cricket West Indies board had contacted a "wide pool of players" about the prospect of travelling to England.

Games would likely be played without fans, and could be staged at one venue where players can stay on site - such as Old Trafford and Southampton - and be tested regularly for coronavirus.

"The players would be very much in a bubble," said Graves.

"We said to the ECB we'd want four weeks of preparation before the first Test. We're probably looking at three back-to-back Test matches.

"It would be seven weeks of very much training at the ground, staying at the ground and very much being isolated within that hotel environment."

The West Indies is made up of 15 countries and territories which are under various levels of restrictions because of the pandemic, and Grave said getting the players on one plane would be "a logistical challenge but certainly not insurmountable".

'I really worry for the players'
England are also scheduled to play Pakistan, Australia and Ireland this summer, fixtures which the ECB hopes to condense into the latter stages of the season.

That could mean players spending several weeks together without being able to leave the ground.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said it will be a "huge mental challenge".

"If you've got 30 players that are potentially going to have to be locked in their country, at cricketing venues, I really do worry," he said.

"When you're in the UK you're so used to playing the game and then getting in your car and going back to your family straight after the match.

"It is unprecedented times. It has to be done because we need the TV money for the game, but I do worry for the players."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/52656122
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If West Indies and Pakistan do come to England this summer, they would be acts of generosity that shouldn’t be forgotten and a reminder about the benefits of international cooperation.<a href="https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d">https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d</a></p>— Mike atherton (@Athersmike) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athersmike/status/1260799077635231744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
BoomBoomCricket said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If West Indies and Pakistan do come to England this summer, they would be acts of generosity that shouldn’t be forgotten and a reminder about the benefits of international cooperation.<a href="https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d">https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d</a></p>— Mike atherton (@Athersmike) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athersmike/status/1260799077635231744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

InshaAllah a full tour by England when things get better
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that England men’s players will return to individual skills-based training from next week.

By utilising venues across the country for individual sessions, the ECB will be able to provide a controlled environment that ensures adherence to safety protocols and social distancing measures for players and staff as set out by the Government’s elite sport return to training guidance.

The ECB’s plan has been designed in line with the Government’s guidance, and we will continue to ensure we comply with their regulations as it develops.

From Wednesday, the ECB’s Men’s Elite Performance Programme will implement an individualised training programme for a number of bowlers, who are centrally contracted and invited through the county system.

After a two-week period, once the bowlers have reached their desired loading efforts, dedicated batsmen and wicketkeepers will start their respective training programmes on an individual basis. The protocols include:

Individual Field-Based Skills Players will train individually on a staggered basis with a coach, physio and, where possible, a strength and conditioning coach in attendance.Each individual will observe strict social-distancing, hygiene and temperature testing protocols.The ECB, working with counties, will request a number of county coaches to assist with one-to-one coaching. The ECB will fund this.Players and support staff to arrive in training kit ready to practice.Players and support staff temperatures will be taken before they will be allowed to train.The physio will have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to treat injuries. The PPE will be sourced and funded by the ECB.Dressing rooms and other venue facilities will be closed.

The next two phases of training, which will be imposed by the Government in conjunction with the ECB’s medical team, will be announced in due course. It expected the England women’s players will resume training in late June.

Ashley Giles, Managing Director - England Men’s Cricket, said:

“These are the first steps for players return to training ahead of international cricket potentially resuming later this summer.

“The safety of players, staff and our community is our first priority throughout this protocol. We are committed to adhering to public health guidelines and Government directives intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“To be clear, we will only train and potentially play cricket behind closed doors if we know it is absolutely safe to do so and is fully supported by the Government.

“We are in constant dialogue with players, coaches and counties to determine what is possible during this period and what facilities will be available to us. We are thankful that we have a united front across all of cricket’s stakeholders to prepare the players in a safe and secure environment.”

The ECB will continue to liaise with the 18 first-class counties to ascertain when a ‘back-to- training’ protocol can be rolled out for the county game. We will expect further updates towards the end of the month, and we would urge people to await further updates from the Government and the ECB.
 
BoomBoomCricket said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If West Indies and Pakistan do come to England this summer, they would be acts of generosity that shouldn’t be forgotten and a reminder about the benefits of international cooperation.<a href="https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d">https://t.co/W7QH0ZAn3d</a></p>— Mike atherton (@Athersmike) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athersmike/status/1260799077635231744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

Pakistan should ask the PCB to tour Pakistan or have a longer series if west indies dont come
 
Hope all this happens for Pakistan - but signs are good in UK for resumption of sports.
 
Up to 18 bowlers will take part in staggered sessions across seven grounds from Thursday as the first England players to begin individual training.

Chester-le-Street, Edgbaston, Hove, Old Trafford, Taunton, The Oval and Trent Bridge will each host at least one session this week.

Batsmen and wicketkeepers will return to individual training from 1 June.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will confirm which players have been invited to train next week.

About 30 players in total - centrally contracted and from the county system - will be invited to train.

The ECB says it expects additional venues will be added to accommodate these sessions and will confirm which grounds are to be used nearer the time.

There will be no cricket in England or Wales until at least 1 July because of the coronavirus pandemic, a shutdown which has meant the postponement of the Test series against West Indies, which was scheduled for June.

With the ECB in talks with Cricket West Indies (CWI) over the rescheduling of those three Tests, England director of cricket Ashley Giles has said the return to training coincides with a seven-week build-up to what could be the start of the series on 8 July.

It is likely that any international cricket that is played this summer - England are also scheduled to host Pakistan, Australia and Ireland - will be played behind closed doors.

When will cricket return and what will it look like?

For the first training sessions this week, a physio will attend to help social distancing measures being observed, before ECB and selected county coaches will return to sessions from next week.

A coach and a physio will be in attendance when batsmen and wicketkeepers return to individual training.

In line with government advice, each individual must stay two metres apart from anyone else, players and support staff will arrive in kit and have their temperatures taken before the session, while medical staff will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) sourced and funded by the ECB.

The ECB said other key principles of individual training include regular hand washing, cleaning equipment with disinfectant wipes and players bringing their own kit, including assigned cricket balls.

If bowlers bowl into an empty net they must pick up their own ball, while if they bowl into a mitt, the coach must wear their own mitt and a disposable glove on the other hand.

The ECB also said players will not be allowed to use saliva or sweat on the ball.

The International Cricket Council is set to ban players from using saliva to shine the ball when the sport resumes but said the application of sweat will still be allowed.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/52737044
 
Seamers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes are among the first bowlers to return to England training on Thursday.

Broad revealed he was one of the England bowlers selected for individual sessions as they look to get in shape for a proposed behind-closed-doors series with West Indies in July.

Broad chronicled his return to Trent Bridge through his Instagram story, where he showed himself taking his temperature with a digital thermometer at home before uploading the result to an app.

Once at Nottinghamshire's ground he was given a designated car parking space and directed straight to the pitch.

There he bowled on a wicket on his own, with a physiotherapist there to provide support and his skills as a cameraman.

Broad was allowed into the pavilion for a toilet break and was given his own designated toilet, revealing he had to use the ladies' room.

Up to 18 bowlers will take part in individualised training sessions across seven county grounds from Thursday.

Chris Woakes revealed he was another who had returned to action on the first day as he trained at Edgbaston.

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...woakes-among-bowlers-back-in-england-training

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So much work has gone on behind the scenes to make this possible. Thanks to all the people <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@englandcricket</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/TrentBridge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trentbridge</a> who have been involved, I really appreciate it. Felt great to be back out there having a bowl. Loved it. &#55356;&#57295; <a href="https://t.co/uZNfPBKzJ3">pic.twitter.com/uZNfPBKzJ3</a></p>— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) <a href="https://twitter.com/StuartBroad8/status/1263434631925370884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Last edited:
May 28 (Reuters) - Surrey County Cricket Club is looking into the possibility of hosting matches at The Oval with a reduced capacity of around 6,000 fans when the COVID-19 shutdown ends, its chief executive Richard Gould has said.

The 25,500-capacity ground was set to host a test match between England and West Indies in June before the tour was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government gave elite sport the green light to return in June behind closed doors but the cricket season, which was suspended in March, will not return until July at the earliest.

“The 25% capacity is something we’ve been looking at... It may end up having to be lower than that,” Gould told the BBC.

“There is work ongoing but at a very gentle pace. One of the issues cricket has is we can only play in the summer. Therefore we’d like to understand possibilities of getting fans in later on in the summer.

“But we’re not going to do anything that doesn’t get full clearance. We’re not going to do anything other than follow government guidelines.”

British media have reported the England and Wales Cricket Board is looking at setting up ‘bio-secure’ venues at grounds with on-site hotels in Manchester and Southampton for Pakistan’s visit in August.

Cricket West Indies said they are in the final stages of discussions regarding a tour in July once the ECB’s plans for bio-secure venues receive government support.
 
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can today confirm a further delay to the start of the professional domestic cricket season, with no domestic cricket to be played before August 1.

The specifics of the season remain subject to ongoing advice from UK Government and health experts, but the ambition remains to host domestic men's and women's cricket across England and Wales later this summer.

The Professional Game Group (PGG) will look to outline a number of opportunities for domestic play, which will be presented to the ECB Board in June. These plans include a number of options for both red-ball and white-ball cricket including matches played at all First Class Grounds, the use of a regional group model as well as consideration for matches played behind closed doors or with a limited number of supporters whilst strictly adhering to Government guidance on social distancing. The working group is also exploring options where non-televised games can be live streamed for members and supporters.

As the ongoing COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, these scenarios will be worked on and assessed. Learnings from the return-to-training programmes for England Men’s players will be incorporated, in addition to those sourced from any international matches played behind closed doors.

The recreational game currently remains suspended until further notice - with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise. The ECB will seek to progress discussions with the UK Government to begin mapping out a return, including the potential for an earlier return of junior cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level. We remain hopeful of seeing both domestic and recreational cricket this season and planning with the PGG has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play. Whilst traditional formats of our competitions are the preference, we are not against exploring the unorthodox to ensure that we can return our players to the field.

"That can only happen though when it is safe, and we have said throughout this crisis that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the game is our key priority.

"We have learned a lot and continue to learn about the safety protocols that would need to be in place to stage international cricket behind closed doors in this environment and those protocols will also need to apply to the domestic game.

"Across the recreational game it has been heart-warming to hear of clubs where players have returned to the nets. As children start returning to school in the coming weeks, we look forward to exploring how those guidelines and learnings can be deployed for cricket. This can then see the recreational game continue its phased return as soon as we have Government approval."
 
MenInG said:
The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can today confirm a further delay to the start of the professional domestic cricket season, with no domestic cricket to be played before August 1.

The specifics of the season remain subject to ongoing advice from UK Government and health experts, but the ambition remains to host domestic men's and women's cricket across England and Wales later this summer.

The Professional Game Group (PGG) will look to outline a number of opportunities for domestic play, which will be presented to the ECB Board in June. These plans include a number of options for both red-ball and white-ball cricket including matches played at all First Class Grounds, the use of a regional group model as well as consideration for matches played behind closed doors or with a limited number of supporters whilst strictly adhering to Government guidance on social distancing. The working group is also exploring options where non-televised games can be live streamed for members and supporters.

As the ongoing COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, these scenarios will be worked on and assessed. Learnings from the return-to-training programmes for England Men’s players will be incorporated, in addition to those sourced from any international matches played behind closed doors.

The recreational game currently remains suspended until further notice - with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise. The ECB will seek to progress discussions with the UK Government to begin mapping out a return, including the potential for an earlier return of junior cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level. We remain hopeful of seeing both domestic and recreational cricket this season and planning with the PGG has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play. Whilst traditional formats of our competitions are the preference, we are not against exploring the unorthodox to ensure that we can return our players to the field.

"That can only happen though when it is safe, and we have said throughout this crisis that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the game is our key priority.

"We have learned a lot and continue to learn about the safety protocols that would need to be in place to stage international cricket behind closed doors in this environment and those protocols will also need to apply to the domestic game.

"Across the recreational game it has been heart-warming to hear of clubs where players have returned to the nets. As children start returning to school in the coming weeks, we look forward to exploring how those guidelines and learnings can be deployed for cricket. This can then see the recreational game continue its phased return as soon as we have Government approval."
Click to expand...

Terrible, devastating news.
 
LONDON (Reuters) - The England and Wales Cricket Board is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about allowing coronavirus player substitutions in its upcoming planned test series against West Indies and Pakistan, an ECB official said.

ECB director of events Steve Elworthy was quoted in British media on Friday saying he hoped an agreement would be reached in time for those test matches, which the ECB plans to hold in “bio-secure” venues in July.

The ICC currently only allows a player to be replaced during a match because of concussion. Under the proposed change, a late substitution would also be allowed on coronavirus grounds. Media reports did not specify how the procedure would work, including whether it would involve testing players.

“I know there are still some considerations from an ICC perspective about a Covid-19 replacement,” Elworthy told British media. “That still needs to be agreed.”

“This is specifically for test cricket, and we would hope that would be in place well before the test series starts in July.”

Keeping players’ wellbeing in mind, the ICC Cricket Committee has already recommended banning the use of saliva to shine the ball in order to generate swing.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave its approval in principle on Friday for the series in England which was originally scheduled in June.

While cricket in England remains suspended until July 1, a group of 55 cricketers have been asked to return to training to prepare for the start of the English summer season.

https://in.reuters.com/article/heal...o-allow-coronavirus-substitutes-idINKBN23608T
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ECB respond to Government’s next steps for domestic and recreational cricket in England: <a href="https://t.co/1tFHj14WqN">pic.twitter.com/1tFHj14WqN</a></p>— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket/status/1267038782068572162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Ian Watmore’s appointment as Chair was ratified at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place virtually today. The ECB’s 41 members voted unanimously in Watmore’s favour.

With the last stage of his appointment process concluded, Mr Watmore will step into the role in September 2020. He succeeds current ECB Chair, Colin Graves CBE, following a successful five-year tenure that saw England lift two ODI ICC Cricket World Cups, as well as securing a record £1.1billion media rights deal.

In addition to the ratification, it was confirmed that Senior Independent Director, Lord Kamlesh Patel, will step down as the Board’s Senior Independent Director (SID) after serving over five years. A replacement will be identified in the coming months. Lord Patel was involved in a number of significant changes during his term, most notably the creation of the 2018 action plan to engage South Asian audiences, in addition to establishing the ECB’s Governance Committee and being a key voice in the creation of the Inspiring Generations Strategy.

Commenting on today’s news, Colin Graves CBE said: “I am very pleased that Ian’s appointment as Chair has been fully approved by our 41 valued members. His experience and deep passion for cricket will strongly support the progress and cohesion of the game over the next five years.

‘’The game’s newest test, the threat of COVID-19, will challenge us all. I am certain that no corner of the game will emerge the same. It will be our ability to stay united and remain agile that will see us through this most difficult of times.’’

Also commenting, Ian Watmore said: “I have made clear from the start of this process how important the cricket network is to our sport thriving across England and Wales. In a post-COVID-19 world, it is more important than ever before that we see sport connect communities and improve lives. That goal is only achievable with the support of the entire game and I look forward to working with the membership and other key stakeholders in delivering our ambitions.”

ECB financial update from AGM

The ECB shared an update on its financial results for 2019-2020 with its membership at today’s virtual AGM, reporting a record turnover of £228million.

This was an increase of £56million from 2018, which included a men’s tour of India, when it reached a turnover of £172million. It is also considerably higher than an average year which yields approximately £125million turnover.

The group’s administrative expenditure at £164m was an increase of £22m as compared to the prior year at £142m, this increase was largely due to special fee distributions paid to each of the First-Class Counties in respect of ICC Men’s CWC19. Additional distributions also included a £3million distribution to the Team England Player Partnership (TEPP) and a £15.7million donation to the England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT).

This FYE resulted in a profit of £6.5million which was a £5.7million increase on the ECB Board’s approved budget of £800,000. This boost in profit enabled the ECB’s reserves to increase to £17.1million from last year’s £11.2million.

Commenting, Scott Smith, Chief Financial Officer for the ECB, said; ‘’The success of hosting the CWC19 and Men’s and Women’s Ashes on home soil saw us achieve record revenues for the game, and allowed us to distribute more funding across the game than ever before. With the impact of COVID-19 these results are somewhat bittersweet, but it is nonetheless extremely positive to know that with the right conditions, the game can continue to grow financial momentum for its stakeholders.’’
 
Former England captain Michael Atherton wants the International Cricket Council to consider what could be called a ‘Hospital substitute’ which will allow replacement for a player needing to go to a hospital in case of an injury. Atherton batted for the idea keeping in mind the upcoming series between England and West Indies, starting July 8 which will be played in in a bio-secure environment.

“What, for example, happens if a batsman breaks a finger and he’s got to go to hospital for an X-ray? He’s got to leave the bubble and then come back, and if there’s a delay on testing or the results. I think you’ll see one or two compromises,” Atherton told former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock and host Neil Manthorp in the ‘Following On Cricket Podcast’.

The England and Wales Cricket Board director of special projects Steve Elworthy revealed last month that the ICC is already discussing the possibility of introducing substitutes if a player tests positive for Covid-19 during a test match. Last year, the ICC approved “like for like” substitutes across all formats of international cricket to replace concussed players during matches and Elworthy said the same rule would have to be applied for Covid-19 substitutes.

Atherton sees no reason why a similar rule cannot be applied for players needing to go to a hospital for scans or X-rays, which at times has ruled a player out of the match. In this case, a player will take the risk of stepping outside the bio-secure environment, which in turn can risk people’s health.

“If you remember, Marnus Labuschagne became the first concussion substitute for Steve Smith last year, and what will probably happen, as just a short-term measure, is if there’s an injury that’ll require someone to go to hospital, they’ll probably allow a substitute for that, whether it’s a broken finger or a torn hamstring or whatever,” he added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...substitutes/story-FOQ7cIJOmtcTv8oT2AeWNI.html
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We’re working on it!<br><br>We’ve said early July at the earliest providing it can be done safely. <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECB_cricket</a> are helping plan with govt & medical experts&#55356;&#57295; <a href="https://t.co/cNdOPJwMxz">https://t.co/cNdOPJwMxz</a></p>— Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) <a href="https://twitter.com/OliverDowden/status/1272932380643405826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
"The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) along with the nation’s cricket players are keen to see the imminent and safe return of our sport at recreational level and have been working hard with Government to achieve this.

"We believe that cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted. It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4th July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.

"We are heartened that the Government has already permitted the return of other ball sports, including tennis and basketball, and we are sure that our interpretation of the risks around ball transmission is consistent with these other games.

"We can confirm that any guidance we share with the game will include directions on how to mitigate any risk from handling the ball as we continue to prioritise the health and safety of the cricket family in all our decision-making.’’
 
Surrey schedule two-day Middlesex friendly match behind closed doors

Surrey have confirmed plans to play Middlesex in a behind-closed-doors friendly next month.

The Oval will host a two-day red-ball fixture on 26 and 27 July, which will be streamed live online.

County cricket is postponed until at least 1 August because of coronavirus, but England will start a Test series against West Indies on 8 July.

Surrey hope the friendly will come before “competitive cricket returning the following weekend”.

They and Lancashire were the only two among 18 first-class counties who chose not to furlough players amid the pandemic.

The announcement indicates Middlesex will start to bring their players off the government job retention scheme soon, while a number of other counties have also resumed training in small groups.

Surrey will be streaming the match using multiple cameras on both their Facebook page and The Oval website.

Playing a regionalised four-day competition plus the T20 Blast is one of the possible options being considered for when the domestic season can be allowed to start.

But the government confirmed on Tuesday that recreational club cricket cannot resume yet until ways to make the game more secure are approved, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying that "the ball is a natural vector of disease".

In reply, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday: "We believe that cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted.

"It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4 July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society."

The statement added: "We can confirm that any guidance we share with the game will include directions on how to mitigate any risk from handling the ball as we continue to prioritise the health and safety of the cricket family in all our decision-making.''
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/53167865
 
Boris Johnson has destroyed the esteem of cricketers in UK
 
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday cancelled the Dynamos Cricket and some national competitions due to the coronavirus pandemic. "As we continue to work towards recreational cricket returning on or around July 4, though, it has become clear that given the current restrictions we will sadly be unable to run certain elements of the scheduled 2020 cricket season. This includes Dynamos Cricket and some National Competitions," ECB said in a statement.

Many of these tournaments would require rescheduling, which logistically could make it difficult for clubs to arrange other cricket.

"With a condensed summer resulting in fixture challenges, we have taken the decision to cancel the below competitions to ensure that all players have an opportunity to play," the statement read.

"In addition, to ensure maximum flexibility for all clubs pursuing a return to action and because we believe it is safer for clubs and players to reduce their amount of travel we will be prioritising local playing opportunities over National and Regional competitions," it added.

The cancelled tournaments include National Counties Championship (Three-day cricket), National County Showcase Fixtures v First-Class Counties, Royal London Club Championship, Vitality Men's Club T20 Cup and Plate, Vitality Women's Club T20 Cup and Plate, U18 Boys County Championship, U17 Super Fours, Royal London Boys County Age Group Under 14, 15 and 18 Cup Competitions, Royal London Girls County Age Group Under 15 and 17 Cup Competitions, ECB David English Bunbury Festival, ECB City Cup, ECB Over 50s County Championship, ECB Girls Regional Development Centre Festival and ECB Girls U15 Festivals.

However, ECB has been working with the Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around July 4, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/cor...nal-competitions-2252492?pfrom=home-sshowcase
 
Men’s County season set to begin on 1 August


First-Class Counties to decide on men’s formats to be played at a meeting in early July

First year of women’s elite domestic structure under discussion; but women’s domestic game commits to play this season
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given its approval for the professional men’s county cricket season to begin on 1 August.

The formats to be played during the delayed men’s county season are due to be agreed by the 18 First-Class Counties in early July, with a new fixture schedule to be published thereafter.

A commitment to play women’s domestic cricket in 2020 has also been made, but may differ from the planned rollout of the new women’s elite domestic structure.

The women’s elite domestic structure is the equivalent of the men’s county set-up and is formed of eight regions. Establishing a structure for a new competition during a pandemic has provided specific challenges for the women’s domestic game, most notably having the required medical personnel in place to handle stringent return-to-play protocols.

Preparation and planning for the season across the men’s and women’s domestic game remains subject to ongoing advice from Government and medical professionals with the safety of players, staff and officials the first priority.

The ECB Board has also approved the return to training of Men’s First-Class County players on or before 1 July. Plans for the new men’s season include options for red-ball and white-ball cricket.

A dedicated working group with representatives from the First-Class Counties and ECB has been formed to provide specific focus to Domestic Cricket, while COVID-19 continues to impact the game.

The main objectives for this group are;

To develop a single set of operating procedures that will incorporate cricket operations, venue operations and medical protocols
To provide a single delivery model that can be implemented across all 18 FCCs and regional women’s teams
To provide feedback and progress to the ECB Board and FCC Chairs


ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said:

“It is a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for 1 August and one which will be welcomed by everyone connected with County Cricket.

“It follows extensive consultation between the 18 First-Class Counties, the Professionals Cricketers’ Association and ECB and has only been achievable thanks to the significant hard work that continues to occur as we prepare for a domestic season unlike any the game has faced before.

“It must be stressed that the safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and Government guidance will continue to shape our planning and preparation.

“Planning for the return of the women’s domestic game remains ongoing, but our commitment to women’s domestic cricket is unwavering and we look forward to sharing further news shortly.

“Our strong preference is that the women’s new elite domestic structure starts this summer and we will work hard to ensure that happens. For this to be achieved, brand new infrastructure still needs to be rolled-out, alongside imperatives we need in place when playing competitive cricket during a pandemic.

"Our first choice remains to do everything we can to start this year and build on the fantastic momentum in the women’s game. In the event that proves impossible, we will explore other options for play to enable our women’s players to enjoy competitive domestic cricket in 2020.

“We will continue to work closely with both the men’s and women’s domestic game to ensure necessary safety measures are in place to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.”

==

The Professional Cricketers’ Association welcomes the announcement from the ECB that men’s domestic cricket is set to return on 1 August and there is a commitment to play domestic women’s cricket this summer.

The domestic season which was due to start on 12 April, was delayed on 20 March, a decision the PCA fully supported to protect the health and welfare of players and all associated with the professional game.

PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:

“County cricket returning from 1 August is hugely positive for our membership. It has been an incredibly uncertain time for players who have waited patiently for some encouraging news.

“Some county players have already started to return to training and now we have an official date to restart I am confident all counties will have their players back to prepare for the return of competitive cricket in just over four weeks.

“The health of our membership remains our number one priority and no player should be required to return to work if they do not feel comfortable due to any underlying health issues or other factors such as living with vulnerable people. We have pushed for an ‘opt in’ process with ECB and the counties so players can totally understand the protocols in place to mitigate risks and those who are not yet able to return feel comfortable in not opting in.

“I commend the expertise and effort that has been shown by the ECB and the first-class counties to get to this stage. The planning and safety procedures that are being put in place will make the return to professional cricket as safe as it possibly can.

“We look forward to seeing a schedule as soon as possible so we can all understand what will be required from players from the start of August.

“The commitment to play women’s domestic cricket this summer is also very positive. We need to continue the momentum of the women’s game so to have an assurance this summer will not be completely lost to domestic players is another step in the right direction.

“The game is still facing arguably it’s biggest ever crisis at all levels, however, through a collaborative approach gradual steps are being taken to restore cricket and the confirmation of county cricket returning is vital in returning to some kind of normality.”
 
Last edited:
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has approved a recommendation to increase the number of Unqualified cricketers that First-Class Counties can field in men’s county cricket from next season.

First-Class Counties will be permitted to field a total of two Unqualified cricketers in the same match in the County Championship and Royal London Cup from 2021.

This represents an increase from the one Unqualified cricketer that First-Class Counties are currently permitted to field in those two competitions.

The Vitality Blast will remain unchanged, with First-Class Counties already permitted to field two Unqualified cricketers in the 20-over competition.

The ECB’s Performance Cricket Committee (PCC) made the recommendation to the ECB Board, which approved the changes this month.
PCC chair, Sir Andrew Strauss, said:

“There is an important balance to be struck to ensure the need for good foreign players in county cricket and providing opportunity for nine England-qualified players in each county team.

“There are clearly long-established benefits for our domestic players to compete against and learn from the best players from across the world in addition to providing high-quality domestic cricket for county members and fans to enjoy.

"An increase in Unqualified cricketers allows First-Class Counties to maintain that standard while also enabling them to plan and prepare for next summer."
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is delighted that the UK Government has given the green light for recreational cricket in England to return from Saturday July 11.

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

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

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

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

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

"We know how difficult it has been for everyone to go without cricket this summer, and we thank you for your patience. As the nation's summer sport we believe we have a role to play in getting people active across the country, especially young people, and it is heartening to know that club cricket - albeit with social distancing in place and some other adaptations - will soon be back across England."
 
First-Class Counties agree to play a combination of red-ball and white-ball cricket this summer by majority vote

ECB Board to meet to approve decision in coming days

Further Medical and Risk assessments to be conducted by all 18 FCCs

The First-Class Counties have agreed to play both red-ball and white-ball cricket during this summer’s shortened men’s domestic season.

A majority vote was reached at a meeting of the FCC chairs today following approval by the ECB Board last month for the new season to commence on August 1.

Today’s agreement by the FCCs will be passed on for ECB Board approval in the coming days after which the details of the new fixture schedule will be drawn up and then announced.

The safety and wellbeing of all players, staff and officials remains the priority of the ECB and all FCCs will undergo further medical risk assessments and venue compliance approval as planning progresses to ensure safe environments for the start of the men’s domestic season.

Ticket holders for men's domestic matches and FCC members are set to be contacted by venues with the options available to them after a new fixture schedule is announced.
 
​ECB share guidelines for the return of recreational cricket

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has prepared guidelines for the return of recreational cricket.

The purpose of these guidelines is to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they should take while undertaking recreational cricket activity in England from Saturday 11 July 2020 onwards, both in training and in matches. They should be read in conjunction with latest UK Government regulations.

The key update to the guidelines is the fact that as of Saturday 11 July 2020 competitive 11-a-side cricket matches can take place - as well as training - with adaptations in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19, including the overall group size (inclusive of coaches and officials) being limited to 30 people in total.

These guidelines currently apply to England only and could change in response to the current COVID Alert Level or other Government advice.

The Prime Minister’s announcement last week signalled progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB’s roadmap to return for recreational cricket. In Step 4 some adaptations will be in place for all cricket activity - applicable to players, parents, clubs, coaches, spectators, and officials.

Those adaptations relate to activity prior to, during and after cricket activity. A summary of the adaptations is listed below but please read the full guidance for comprehensive details.

Individuals should undergo a personal symptom check prior to all activity and not take part if they demonstrate any COVID-19 symptoms.

All groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches and officials.

Club representatives should ensure that the facility is compliant with current Government legislation including legislation and guidance related to COVID-19.

All activity should include regular hygiene breaks for participants' hands and the ball, e.g. every six overs or 20 minutes
Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match/session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace.

Players should remain socially distanced at all times (In England only: Wicket keepers & Slip fielders at 1m+).

Players should minimise handling of the ball in all activity, by limiting contact as it makes its way back to the bowler and using small groups in training; no sweat or saliva should be added to the ball at any time.

Limit the sharing of equipment where possible. Where not possible, practice strict hand hygiene.

Batters to run in distinct running lanes to ensure they’re not within 2m of the bowler or their batting partner
 
Last edited:
All First-Class Counties committed to playing same red-ball and white-ball competitions

ECB NEWSROOM - Jul 10, 2020 11:00 BST

18 First-Class Counties committed to participate in same red-ball and white-ball competitions this summer

Fixtures for new men’s domestic season to be announced later this month

All 18 First-Class Counties have agreed to participate in the same competitive red-ball and white-ball competitions during this summer’s shortened men’s domestic season.

The season will commence with a four-day competition which will enable all 18 First-Class Counties to compete for the Bob Willis Trophy. This will be followed by a shortened Vitality Blast competition starting on 27 August.

Ticket holders for men's domestic matches and FCC members are set to be contacted by venues with the options available to them after a new fixture schedule is announced.

ECB Managing Director of County Cricket, Neil Snowball, said:

“The enforced break due to COVID-19 has provided a challenging period for the county game during which time the 18 First-Class Counties have been united with a common goal to get back to our core function of playing cricket.

“The commitment of the Chairs and Chief Executives of the First-Class Counties to work together to achieve that ambition has been resolute and we will remain in close discussion as we continue to assess risk factors that need to be mitigated in order to ensure the safety and welfare of their players, coaches and staff.

“We are all delighted that agreement has been reached across the game and we are now in a position to look forward to and prepare for a new men’s domestic season starting on 1 August.”
 
Good news for sport fans today, as Boris Johnson said supporters could be able to return to stadiums from October.

Pilots will take place from 1 August - and any stadium reopenings would be subject to coronavirus guidelines.

Some sports, including football and cricket, have already resumed behind closed doors - with canned cheering sometimes being used on TV broadcasts.

The pilot projects will be held at:

Two men's county cricket friendly matches - including Surrey v Middlesex at The Oval on 26-27 July;
The World Snooker Championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre from 31 July;
The Goodwood horse racing festival on 1 August.
 
County cricket clubs could be hit by a £25MILLION loss with spectators banned from attending Twenty20 Blast in August as the Government says fans won't be allowed at sporting events until October 1

The 18 first class counties are bracing themselves for combined losses of around £25million after the government ruled out the prospect of spectators attending the rescheduled Twenty20 Blast on Friday.

In an otherwise welcome announcement for sport, the government's proposed return date of October 1 was bad news for county cricket clubs, who had been lobbying hard for crowds to be allowed at the T20 Blast, their main source of revenue other than ECB handouts.

The domestic Twenty20 competition has developed into a huge commercial success since it was launched in 2003, with a record 950,000 tickets sold last year generating around £20m for the counties, as well as additional £5m in hospitality income.

Lancashire and Surrey both conducted feasibility studies earlier this summer which demonstrated how Old Trafford and the Oval respectively could accommodate up to 6000 spectators whilst maintaining social distancing, but their hopes appear to have been dashed by the government.

With a four-day red-ball competition due to begin on 1 August the final of the Blast has been scheduled for September 19, three days before any mass gatherings will be permitted.

'From October we intend to bring back audiences in stadiums,' Boris Johnson said today. 'Again, these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.'

To compound the counties' financial problems it is understood that Blast ticket sales are not covered by the ECB's insurance policy, unlike international matches, which has softened the blow of England's Test series against West Indies and Pakistan taking place behind closed doors.

In addition the Blast does not generate any television income, with Sky Sports' £1.1billion five-year deal based on exclusive rights to England matches and the new Hundred competition, the first edition of which was cancelled this year.

Being denied gate receipts for the Blast is another huge blow for the counties, who have seen the first three months of the season scrapped, the vast majority of staff furloughed and are struggling to with the costs of holding a four-day competition next month which seven of the 18 voted against staging.

The biggest clubs such as Surrey will suffer the most, but have sufficient reserves to cope, whereas many of the smaller counties like Leicestershire are only being kept afloat by the ECB's £1.3m annual funding.

Ironically cricket will be the first sport to stage one of the test events the government announced on Friday, with some spectators to be allowed to attend a two-day friendly between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on 26 and 27 July.

The world snooker championship at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre on 31 July and the final day of Glorious Goodwood on 1 August will also be used as test events, with a crowd of 5000 to be permitted at the latter meeting.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/c...nment-rules-fans-watching-Twenty20-Blast.html
 
Bob Willis Trophy fixtures announced; Women's 50-over domestic competition confirmed

All 18 First-Class Counties will be in action when Bob Willis Trophy starts on 1 August
A five-day final will decide the Bob Willis Trophy champions
Women’s 50-over domestic tournament to be played this summer
Vitality Blast fixtures to be announced next month
Men’s red-ball trophy set to feature design of Bob Willis painted by his wife Lauren
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that this summer's shortened domestic season will include a 50-over women's competition in addition to the Bob Willis Trophy and Vitality Blast.

Fixtures for the Bob Willis Trophy were released today with all 18 First-Class Counties (FCCs) set to be in action when the one-off red-ball competition begins on Saturday 1 August.

The Bob Willis Trophy will hold first-class status, but is a separate competition from the County Championship, and will comprise three regionalised groups, consisting of six counties per group.

The FCCs will play five group-stage matches – one against each county in their group – with the two group winners with the most points set to progress to a five-day final.

A special edition women’s domestic 50-over competition will also be staged this summer, featuring the eight new teams in the women’s elite domestic structure.

The competition will also be regionalised, into two groups of four teams, with the group winners meeting in a final. The staging of this competition reflects the ECB’s commitment to continue the journey to professionalise the domestic game for women.

Fixtures for the women’s domestic competition are set to be announced alongside confirmation of the full schedule for the Vitality Blast next month. The Vitality Blast will commence on 27 August.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “There has been a strong determination across the game to play men’s and women’s domestic cricket his summer and the fact that we will owes to the significant work and collaboration across the county network.

“The efforts to deliver a new one-off men’s and women’s competition, in addition to a shortened Vitality Blast, to meet the unprecedented requirements of playing professional cricket during a pandemic have been remarkable.

“It will be a fitting reward for all that work, and for the patience of all county cricket fans, when the first ball is bowled in the Bob Willis Trophy next Saturday. To have this year’s first-class competition named in Bob’s honour is a perfect gesture to a great man who is sorely missed.

“I am pleased that we have been able to schedule women’s domestic cricket and ensure competitive cricket following last month’s confirmation of the first cohort of players on Regional Retainer contracts.

“We will need to remain agile to the challenges that will await us during the shortened domestic season with the health and wellbeing of our players, staff, officials and fans continuing to be our first priority.”

The domestic competitions will be staged under strict health and safety protocols with the Bob Willis Trophy also set to feature ECB Board-approved changes to playing conditions to help ensure the wellbeing of players, most significantly fast bowlers, following the long lay-off due to COVID-19.

The playing conditions have been put in place following extensive medical research and in collaboration with the First-Class Counties and the Professional Cricketers’ Association, and include:

A reduction from a minimum of 96 overs to a minimum of 90 overs in a day’s play.
Each county’s first innings of a match can last no longer than 120 overs
The follow-on will increase from 150 to 200 runs
The new ball will be available after 90 overs rather than 80 overs
Performance Cricket Committee Chair, Sir Andrew Strauss, said: “For all fans of the county game, it is fantastic news that domestic cricket will get underway at the start of August.

“It goes without saying that everyone wants to see competitive red and white ball cricket but in these unprecedented times it is crucially important that we recognise that the fitness and wellbeing of players is the top priority after a long lay-off period.

“Following appropriate medical consideration these measures have been put in place for the Bob Willis Trophy to help to protect players from the risk of long-term injury and any impact that could have on their careers.”

Bob Willis’ name will adorn the one-off men’s red-ball tournament after his former England team-mate, and close friend, Sir Ian Botham proposed the idea as a tribute following his death in December last year at the age of 70.

Willis claimed a then record 325 wickets, from 90 Test caps, during an international career which was highlighted by his fierce determination – most significantly against Australia at Emerald Headingley in 1981 – and an endearing persona than won him admirers across the world.

Durham County Cricket chairman, Sir Ian Botham, said: “As a player there was no better person to turn to in a crisis and as a man there was no-one more capable to make you smile and realise the beauty in life.

“He was an ardent advocate for the longest form of the game and, at a time when all of his great virtues have been needed by us all, I can think of no better person to name this tournament after.”

A special trophy is also set to be minted for the champions and will feature a cuboid design of Willis in his iconic bowling action, as painted by his wife Lauren.

Lauren Clark said: “Anything that keeps Bob’s memory alive is as beautiful as the man I married. This would mean so much to him.

“Shortly after his death we were all cast into lockdown due to this pandemic and during that time I have turned to art as a means of expression.

“I am truly humbled and honoured that one of my paintings of Bob, in that wonderful bowling action of his and which so many cricket fans immediately recognise, will be featured on the trophy when it is presented to the winning county at the end of the summer.”

ENDS

Editors notes:

BOB WILLIS TROPHY

The Bob Willis Trophy will hold first-class status and is a separate competition to the County Championship. Changes to playing conditions and guidance is for the Bob Willis Trophy only and will only affect that tournament.

Bob Willis Trophy groups:

NORTH GROUP: Derbyshire, Durham, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire.

CENTRAL GROUP: Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Worcestershire.

SOUTH GROUP: Essex, Kent, Hampshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex.

Playing conditions

The Bob Willis Trophy will have first-class status with some alteration to playing conditions, for this season only, to accommodate circumstances due to COVID-19. This guidance is highlighted below and follows extensive medical research and consultation with the First-Class Counties and Professional Cricketers’ Association to mitigate the risk of injury, most significantly to fast bowlers:

A reduction from a minimum of 96 overs to a minimum of 90 overs in a day's play
Each county’s first innings of a match can last no longer than 120 overs
The follow-on will increase from 150 to 200 runs
The new ball will be available after 90 overs rather than 80 overs
Loans

The loan system has been relaxed this summer so that FCCs can loan a player from another FCC for a minimum of one week.

Points system

During the Bob Willis Trophy points awarded for a draw will be increase from five (in the County Championship) to eight points. All other points scoring will remain the same as in the County Championship. This change in points awarded for a draw is to help mitigate against the impact of weather during a shortened competition.

Tie-breaker in final

In the event of a drawn final there will be one tie-breaker option. That option is that the county that leads on first innings, as long as there were two fully-completed first innings, would be deemed the winner of the final. In any other circumstances a drawn or tied final will result in the trophy being shared by the finalists.

County Championship

The Bob Willis Trophy is a separate competition to the County Championship. Results in the Bob Willis Trophy will have no bearing on the divisions for next summer’s County Championship.

WOMEN’S 50-OVER COMPETITION

Format

This summer’s 50-women’s domestic competition will be staged as a special-edition tournament and feature the eight teams that will launch the new Women’s Domestic Elite Structure next summer.

It will be a regionalised competition with two groups, containing four teams per group. The two group winners will play in a final to decide the champions.

Further details of the one-off competition, including fixtures, will be announced in August.
 
Spectators returning to sporting events has taken a step forward with 1,000 supporters attending Surrey's friendly against Middlesex on Sunday.

The two-day match at the Kia Oval is the first time fans are able to attend a live sports event in England after the coronavirus pandemic forced mass gatherings to be banned and all sport suspended in March.

The match is one of a number of pilot events aimed at reintroducing crowds as the UK government outlined the next steps to ease lockdown restrictions last week.

The upcoming World Snooker Championship in Sheffield and the Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival are set to be among other pilot events.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that audiences can return to stadia from October subject to successful pilot event.
Should these be successful, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hopeful there could be a wider re-opening for crowds to return from October onwards.

The government has said "events have been carefully selected to represent a range of sports and indoor and outdoor spectator environments".

When it was announced cricket would host the first pilot event, the England and Wales Cricket Board said it would work with the government on the safety measures required for the public to return safely.

Sky Sports cricket commentator Ian Bishop tells Sky Sports News that the return of fans is important for all sport and especially cricket.
Attendance at the pilot events were subject to a number of strict conditions with tickets for Sunday's match reserved for members of both clubs.

Careful spacing of groups to avoid breaking social distancing guidelines is in place throughout while households separated by two clear seats to the left and right of them, and only each alternate row will be used.

Only a few stands are set to be used for the trial, with the areas nearest the pavilion reserved for both sets of players.

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...-returning-to-sport-for-first-time-in-england
 
MenInG said:
Spectators returning to sporting events has taken a step forward with 1,000 supporters attending Surrey's friendly against Middlesex on Sunday.

The two-day match at the Kia Oval is the first time fans are able to attend a live sports event in England after the coronavirus pandemic forced mass gatherings to be banned and all sport suspended in March.

The match is one of a number of pilot events aimed at reintroducing crowds as the UK government outlined the next steps to ease lockdown restrictions last week.

The upcoming World Snooker Championship in Sheffield and the Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival are set to be among other pilot events.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that audiences can return to stadia from October subject to successful pilot event.
Should these be successful, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hopeful there could be a wider re-opening for crowds to return from October onwards.

The government has said "events have been carefully selected to represent a range of sports and indoor and outdoor spectator environments".

When it was announced cricket would host the first pilot event, the England and Wales Cricket Board said it would work with the government on the safety measures required for the public to return safely.

Sky Sports cricket commentator Ian Bishop tells Sky Sports News that the return of fans is important for all sport and especially cricket.
Attendance at the pilot events were subject to a number of strict conditions with tickets for Sunday's match reserved for members of both clubs.

Careful spacing of groups to avoid breaking social distancing guidelines is in place throughout while households separated by two clear seats to the left and right of them, and only each alternate row will be used.

Only a few stands are set to be used for the trial, with the areas nearest the pavilion reserved for both sets of players.

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...-returning-to-sport-for-first-time-in-england
Click to expand...

Good news

Hopefully some support for the England v Pakistan series as well
 
Rana said:
Good news

Hopefully some support for the England v Pakistan series as well
Click to expand...

Not for international games.


==


Up to 2,500 spectators per day will be able to attend the first two days of this weekend's Bob Willis Trophy games at the Kia Oval and Edgbaston.

Both grounds were selected to host pilot events, with 1,000 spectators taking in Surrey's friendly against Middlesex on Sunday and the same number welcome at Warwickshire vs Worcestershire on Tuesday.

Over double that will then be able to attend the Bob Willis Trophy matches between Surrey and Middlesex and Warwickshire and Northamptonshire on Saturday and Sunday as the domestic season begins in earnest.

The Bob Willis Trophy, in which the 18 first-class counties have been split into three regional groups of six, is a red-ball tournament being played in place of the County Championship for one season only.

Neil Snowball, the ECB's managing director of county cricket, said: "We're all excited about the start of the county cricket season, and of course we all miss not being able to go and watch as we normally would.

"These two pilots are an important step in testing the government guidance and ensuring we can safely open our grounds again."

The cricket pilots were among a small number of sporting events announced by the government for testing the safe return of spectators, with a view to reopening venues for sports fans, with social distancing measures in place, from October.

No fans have been allowed in to England's bio-secure Test series against West Indies and that looks set to be the case for the remainder of the international summer, which takes in tours from Ireland, Pakistan and Australia.

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...hy-games-as-phased-return-of-crowds-continues
 
First-Class Counties Lancashire and Leicestershire will play their opening match of the Bob Willis Trophy at Blackfinch New Road in Worcester.

Lancashire will be regarded as the home team for the fixture, which is scheduled to begin on Saturday 1 August.

Leicestershire met all protocols to safely stage the match at the Fischer County Ground, however with the city of Leicester in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was taken to schedule the match at a neutral venue.

Whilst Lancashire will be the nominal hosts for the fixture, the club are unable to mobilise an outground at this notice to ensure a Stage 3 return to domestic competition under the current Government guidance, whilst also delivering behind-closed-doors international cricket at Emirates Old Trafford in a bio-secure environment.

Leicestershire will retain three home Bob Willis Trophy matches in Leicester with their match against Durham (August 15) rescheduled from Emirates Riverside to the Fischer County Ground.
 
Cricket fans of Warwickshire and Worcestershire have been able to enjoy their first live experience of the game in 2020 as a spectator pilot programme at Edgbaston Stadium saw more than 800 Members of the two West Midlands counties enjoy the first day of the friendly fixture.

Minister for Sport Nigel Huddleston and Shadow Minister for Sport Alison McGovern were in attendance at Edgbaston alongside England & Wales Cricket Board Chief Executive Tom Harrison and Club Members as Edgbaston became the first elite sporting event in the Midlands to accommodate a crowd since March.

Yesterday’s pilot is the second elite sporting event in the United Kingdom to accommodate spectators since the COVID outbreak, with subsequent pilot events taking place at the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible in Sheffield and the Goodwood horse racing festival.

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Warwickshire CCC, said: “In just ten days the team at Edgbaston have safely delivered one of UK sport’s first live events without compromising on giving members a great day of cricket. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Birmingham City Council, local Councillors, the ECB, central government and a number of other stakeholders, including our ticketing partners Secutix and The Ticket Factory.

“It helps that Edgbaston has a proven track record of delivering high profile events but we’ve had to totally re-engineer the way we think about every aspect of staging sport, including player welfare, ticketing, access control, seating, concessions, toilets, parking.

Everything has been re-thought with social distancing and safety in mind. It has been a challenging but rewarding exercise that helps the industry define how sport should operate once government is comfortable with the introduction of large-scale gatherings.

“It may be the first step, but our conversations with the Minister for Sport, Shadow Minister for Sport and other stakeholders in attendance today were very productive. Our attention now turns to this weekend’s second phase in the pilot programme when will accommodate around double the numbers of spectators.”

Edgbaston will play its part in the second stage of the pilot programme by accommodating up to 2,500 spectators on Saturday and Sunday for Warwickshire’s opening Bob Willis Trophy match versus Northamptonshire.
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that Somerset County Cricket Club’s points deduction for a breach of the ECB’s Pitch Regulations will be rolled on to the next County Championship season.

A Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) Panel has ruled in favour of an ECB application to vary the sanctions in accordance with the provision of CDC Regulation 8.7.

In essence, this means that:

The direct 12-point penalty applies to the next County Championship, which is expected to be in 2021.
The suspended 12-point element remains in place for the next County Championship, again expected to be in 2021, and the subsequent County Championship (expected to be in 2022).
Somerset did not contest the proposed variation of the sanctions.

The County Championship will not be played this summer with the one-off Bob Willis Trophy, which is a separate first-class competition, to be staged instead in 2020.

Somerset was found guilty of breaching the ECB Pitch Regulations after the pitch used in its final home County Championship match against Essex last season was rated as ‘poor’ due to excessive unevenness of bounce.

The club was handed a 24-point deduction – with 12 of those points suspended for two years – following a hearing with a CDC Disciplinary Panel in November 2019.
 
Spectators 'no longer allowed to attend UK pilot sports events'

The prime minister is set to announce that fans will no longer be permitted to attend the sporting pilot events allowing limited numbers of spectators at Goodwood, the Crucible and the Oval in coming days.

It comes after evidence that the infection rate has risen across the country.
 
Firebat said:
Spectators 'no longer allowed to attend UK pilot sports events'

The prime minister is set to announce that fans will no longer be permitted to attend the sporting pilot events allowing limited numbers of spectators at Goodwood, the Crucible and the Oval in coming days.

It comes after evidence that the infection rate has risen across the country.
Click to expand...

Bit of a blow for spectator sport.
 
Reacting to the Government’s announcement that this weekend’s pilots for spectators to attend two Bob Willis Trophy matches will not go ahead, an ECB spokesperson said:

“We understand this is disappointing for supporters who have waited a long time to see their clubs in action and were looking forward to attending pilot events at the Kia Oval and Edgbaston this weekend.

“However, we understand the reasons the Government has made this decision, and remain ready to work with them to ensure supporters can safely return to stadiums when Government advice allows.

“We are pleased the Bob Willis Trophy will still begin this weekend behind closed doors, and fans will be able to watch their teams in action through the online streams being provided.”
 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to engage in severe cost-cutting measures as it stares at a potential deficit of 182m pound in the current financial year owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a media report.

The ECB held a meeting with 18 first-class counties and the county boards on Wednesday, where it informed that it expects a minimum shortfall of 106m in the current fiscal.

“This figure assumes that the remaining men’s international cricket – Pakistan’s tour and a proposed six-match white-ball visit by Australia in September – will take place under the biosecure conditions in place so far this summer,” ‘The Guardian’ reported.

“But there has also been a warning that the overall loss to the game could rise by a further 76m pound should any of these matches be cancelled or the ECB find itself unable to sell tickets for next year’s visits by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka,” it added.

The report said commercial revenue and loss of income from participation programmes such as All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket tops the list of the shortfall.

“As well as the loss of ticket sales and high cost of putting on England’s matches, which has included bringing touring teams over on charter flights and creating bubbles at the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, the deficit has been put down to the 12-month delay of the The Hundred, which was due to launch last month,” it said.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying that the ECB could reduce its staff by up to 25 per cent. It had 379 employees before the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ures-report/story-OVtJeWdbwCNS71lthBC69I.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Bald Eagle
Vitality Blast (2025-26) Discussion Thread
Replies
8
Views
297
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle
Ball Blazer
  • Poll Poll
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 (From 06 October to 03 December)
2
Replies
141
Views
7K
Muhammad Saad
M
Cricket Warrior
[EXCLUSIVE] "Domestic cricket has no respect": Hammad Azam
Replies
4
Views
771
Savak
Savak
BouncerGuy
[PICTURES] Three first-class tournaments to headline Pakistan’s domestic cricket calendar for 2025
Replies
7
Views
2K
BouncerGuy
BouncerGuy
The Bald Eagle
  • Locked
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025: Afghanistan vs Pakistan | Match 01 | August 29 | Sharjah | Pre-Match Discussion
2
Replies
97
Views
4K
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle
Back
Top