ECB pushes back the start of domestic season to August 1

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a delayed start to domestic cricket, pushing the initial date of July 1 to August 1. The ECB confirmed the news on Thursday (May 28). The new date given may also be subject to change, depending upon the advice from the UK government. The professional Game Group (PGG) will look to give detailed information and try to create opportunities for the domestic season, which will be presented to the ECB Board in June.



The plans include a lot of options and possibilities such as white-ball and red-ball cricket which also includes First Class grounds. The matches may be played even without or with limited spectators adhering to the laws of social distancing. The members are also exploring the games which are non-televised, to be live-streamed for members and supporters.



As the COVID-19 situation continues to grow, the plans going ahead may change or further get postponed. There will be feedback from the return-to-training programmes from England's men's players as well as information from the international matches which may take place behind closed doors.



The recreational game too remains suspended, with only (nets and pitches) used for undertaking exercise. The ECB will further discuss the matter with the UK government to potentially plan the return of cricket, which includes the earlier return of junior cricket.



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"Naturally we want to see cricket being played at every level. We remain hopeful of seeing both domestic and recreational cricket this season and planning with the PGG has allowed us to map a number of potential scenarios for domestic play," said Tom Harrison, ECB's CEO, being optimistic of the domestic season returning in England soon.



"While traditional formats of our competitions are the preference, we are not against exploring the unorthodox to ensure that we can return our players to the field. 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."



The ECB is exploring various options and are keen to modify the playing conditions adhering to the safety norms prescribed by the UK government.



"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," he said.



"Across the recreational game it has been heartwarming 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."