The England and Wales Cricket Board has decided to defer the domestic season for the third time due to COVID-19.
Originally, the domestic season of cricket in England was set to start on April 12. However, due to COVID-19, all cricket matches from all over the world had been postponed or cancelled to ensure the safety of all players and staff.
The resumption of domestic cricket has been originally postponed to May 28. However, due to heavy lockdowns and strict implementations, the delay had been extended to July 1. For the third time, the ECB announced that the start would be delayed until August 1.
As per ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, ‘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 (Professional Game Group) has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play’.
He also said that the event may only push through once the safety of all has been ensured. Aside from that, he also added that he, together with the board, continues to learn about the safety protocols that would be needed to implement for international matches as well as domestic games.
Harrison also added that even though The Hundred has been moved to 2021, the ECB will continue with England’s international matches, the domestic season, as well as the T20 Blast to cope with their losses. To further learn about the T20 Blast which also hosts domestic teams, visit Betwala.
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