TVCL plan for reduced contest

THE Thames Valley Cricket League has ‘suspended indefinitely’ for the 2020 season – but plans are in place to ensure some games will be played this summer.

The season, which was due to begin earlier this month, has been interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The TVCL says it is now planning for a reduced nine-match competition in the event of a possible restart for the second half of the summer season.

A statement released by Hon Secretary of the Thames Valley Cricket League, Matthew Stevenson, said: “Until we receive another update, our 2020 competition is likewise suspended indefinitely.

“Starting with round four on Saturday, May 30, we will cancel one round at a time on TVCL16 until we receive further guidance from ECB.

“If the indefinite suspension of recreational cricket is lifted this summer then it is likely that it will be with severe social mobility restrictions in place.

However, there is little point in speculating further on what these might be until an announcement is made.

“We are modelling some plans for a reduced competition in the second half of the summer based on the feedback which we received from member clubs in April.

“It is likely to be a nine-match competition using the published fixture list, all in the win/lose format, and without promotion or relegation.

“We think that a round of friendlies on July 4, and then a nine-match competition starting on the following week, Saturday, July 11 is the most optimistic scenario.”