County cricket to return in August

COUNTY CRICKET has a date to return - Saturday, August 1.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given its approval for the professional men’s county cricket season to begin after a near four-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The formats to be played during the delayed men’s county season are due to be agreed by Yorkshire and the other 17 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.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison: “It is a significant step that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for August 1. 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 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 momentum in the women’s game. In the event that proves impossible, we will explore other options to enable our women’s players to enjoy competitive domestic cricket in 2020.”