The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated it “hopes” to restart junior cricket again earlier than the commencing of the 2020 recreational cricket season, which it says is still suspended due to coronavirus.
In a statement released on Thursday, the sporting body said that the delayed start to the professional domestic season has been extended to August 1 but it is looking to potentially bring back junior cricket once again as children begin to return back to school from June 1.
The ECB said the “specifics” of men’s and women’s cricket seasons are subject to UK Government guidance but it hopes that the domestic campaign can start later this summer.
Earlier this month, it said that cricket clubs can re-open nets and pitches once again, but only if social distancing guidelines can be adhered to.
A spokesperson for the ECB said: “The recreational game currently remains suspended until further notice – with the sole exception of the use of outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise.
“The ECB will seek to progress discussions with the UK Government to begin mapping out a return, including the potential for an earlier return of junior cricket.”
ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level.
“That can only happen though when it is safe, and we have said throughout this crisis that the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the game is our key priority.
“Across the recreational game it has been heart-warming to hear of clubs where players have returned to the nets. As children start returning to school in the coming weeks, we look forward to exploring how those guidelines and learnings can be deployed for cricket.
“This can then see the recreational game continue its phased return as soon as we have Government approval.”
The news comes after some junior leagues have already announced that their respective seasons have been cancelled for 2020, including the South Moorlands Junior Cricket League in Staffordshire.
The ECB also said that the Professional Game Group (PGG) is looking at ways to live stream non-televised games that are played behind closed doors for members and supporters.
Mr Harrison added: “We have learned a lot and continue to learn about the safety protocols that would need to be in place to stage international cricket behind closed doors in this environment and those protocols will also need to apply to the domestic game.”
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