Cricket Australia cancels all organised cricket nationally and shifts to remote working for all

Cricket Australia has today announced the cancellation of the Marsh Sheffield Shield final and recommended that all cricket played within the community is ceased for the remainder of the 2019/20 season in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

 

MARSH SHEFFIELD SHIELD

The Marsh Sheffield Shield final has been cancelled and New South Wales declared champions after leading the competition through nine rounds.

 

The decision follows Sunday’s announcement that the final round of the Marsh Sheffield Shield season had been cancelled in an effort to reduce travel.

 

New South Wales won six, lost two and drew one of their matches this season for a total of 50.76 points. The next best team was Victoria with three wins, three losses and three draws for 38.53 points.

 

PREMIER & COMMUNITY CRICKET                  

CA has strongly recommended that all amateur cricket played within the community should cease including Community Cricket and Premier Cricket.

 

While many competitions are coming to an end, we are mindful that some competitions are only just commencing however the recommendation applies to all competitions and training.

 

This decision is consistent with the measures taken to safeguard professional cricket at the elite level and is supported by State and Territory Associations. 

 

Based on expert advice from CA’s Chief Medical Officer John Orchard and recent government information we want to ensure that cricket is doing everything it can to contribute to the global effort to slow, and eventually stop, the spread of coronavirus.  

 

While cricket is a relatively safe and non-contact sport there are considerable measures that need to be in place to adhere to expert advice around reducing the risk of spreading the virus. We focused specifically on minimising the risk and impact on the cricket communities that we lead and serve, as well as their families. 

 

Cricket Australia is continuing to work with State and Territory Associations to ensure we collectively provide ongoing support to local associations and the broader cricket community during this challenging and disruptive time.

 

OFFICE CLOSURE 

The safety of our people and their families is paramount, so Cricket Australia offices have been closed and staff advised to work from home until further notice.



Kevin Roberts, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive, said these measures emphasise cricket’s commitment to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

 

“By effectively cancelling the remainder of our season, Cricket Australia is playing its part in protecting fans, players, staff, volunteers and match officials during this unprecedented global health issue,” Roberts said. “These are difficult decisions, but the right ones in the circumstances.

 

“Many will no doubt be disappointed that the Sheffield Shield, Premier Cricket and Community Cricket seasons won’t have their traditional ending. That said, we congratulate New South Wales who were 12 points clear at the top of the table on being crowned Sheffield Shield champions.

 

“As organisations around the world rally to slow the spread of the coronavirus, it’s important that we also provide decisive leadership. We hope that by taking these actions now – in addition to those announced in recent days – we can contribute to ‘flattening the curve’ of coronavirus and society returning to normal as quickly as possible.”