2nd Joint Statement - COVID-19 Update
By Mike Varney
Published on Friday 26th June 2020 4:00pm
2nd Joint Statement by the Hampshire Cricket Board, Hampshire Cricket League & Southern Premier Cricket League
Following our first joint statement on 5th June between the county cricket board and the two major leagues in Hampshire, we wanted to release a further update as to our planning for the return of cricket in the surrounding area.
While recreational cricket still remains suspended and despite the recent comments from the Prime Minister, the ECB has released confirmation that they remain confident that cricket can move toward Stage 4 on the previously released roadmap to cricket, meaning that adapted game play should be possible together with COVID-19 secure guidelines.
At the time of writing there is no indication as to when the next update will come from either the Department of Culture, Media and Sport or the ECB. In the meantime, we believe it to be prudent to continue to plan in a positive way.
In recent discussions, both leagues in Hampshire have agreed what their approach to games will be in the hope that we will still see cricket during the 2020 season.
Hampshire Cricket League:
- The competitive League Season is to be abandoned and will be using their existing fixture structure to provide friendly cricket for those clubs who would like it. The format will be entirely up to the teams on the day, although we would recommend 30/40 over matches.
- If there are clubs that are not able to take part in their originally published fixtures they will be invited to arrange their own friendlies or contact The League for guidance.
- The HCL have no objections to teams playing local matches subject to their ground availability, as long as we know in advance that clubs are not using the 2020 fixtures and we know their original opponents are without a game.
- We would encourage all members to "Get The Game On" whether playing Saturdays or Sundays as well as into September; making up for lost time.
Southern Premier Cricket League:
- Providing 11 aside cricket is allowed in due course, we will be combining the Premier Division with Division One and combining Division Two with Three to provide a competitive league cup. Entry into the competition will be completely optional and clubs will be contacted in due course.
- The existing fixture structure will be used, but the League will work with clubs who still would like to enter but do not have access to their normal ground.
- Dependant on anticipated COVID-19 secure guidelines, game format will start at 40 overs per side; but will drop no lower than 20 overs per side.
All three organisations remain committed to working with clubs to try and facilitate as much cricket as possible and will provide further ECB COVID-19 guidance when it is available.
Please continue to refer to the joint COVID-19 FAQs which are updated on a regular basis.
Ben Thompson – Director, Hampshire Cricket Board
Denis Emery – Chairman, Hampshire Cricket League
Steve Vear MBE – Chairman, Southern Premier Cricket League
