Halifax League set to return on July 18

THE ENCO Halifax Cricket League has announced that cricket will return on Saturday, July 18 following its enforced suspension due to COVID-19.

Plans were put in place by the League for such a return early in the pandemic and currently these are being fine tuned.

In a statement, the league said: “Unlike golf, where some commentators have erroneously likened cricket to that sport in terms of a quick return, there is somewhat more to be checked out than the fortunate golfer using his/her own equipment, plus their own white ball, and not having to come into physical contact with anything or anyone.

“The announcement to resume came with a surprise Government U-turn and as a result Tim Helliwell, the League secretary, is working feverishly with clubs to establish their own state of preparation to restart.

“With 31 senior clubs there will be some variation and the League, in the first instance, has a duty of care to ensure all clubs are fit to resume.

“We await full guidelines from the ECB as to what form of and how cricket can be played, and in what competition – these are expected shortly.

“The situation at this time is very fluid, given the unique circumstances, but the League is determined that it will ‘get the game on’ and the sound of leather on willow will return to its hill tops and valley bottoms from Saturday 18 July until mid-September.”