ECB statement on the recreational game in light of the developing COVID-19 situation.
18 March 2020
The health and safety of everyone involved in cricket is the ECB's top priority
“Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.
“This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.
“Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities - particularly at junior levels.
“Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.
“It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making.
“Over the coming weeks we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues - who will have such a huge role to play in our nation’s response to coming out of this situation.”
However some cricket did return in mid-July. All planned Leagues were cancelled with over 10 weeks lost. A mini Dorset 'NHS' league was quickly arranged and 'friendly' cricket was played for the majority of games.
No cricket... Sad Toby! - Cricket is back... Happy Toby!
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