From South Yorkshire league.
Today there has been the latest fortnightly video-conference between ECB and Premier League chairmen.
I want to share with you the key points from that meeting:
The ECB are absolutely determined that some recreational cricket be played in 2020, but we are still some way from that happening.
Before we move to the stage of playing full games, there will be an intermediate stage of ‘adapted play’; playing in adjusted formats, for example, shortened games, in smaller groups, with fielding restrictions, etc.
‘Small group guidance’ to support this ‘adapted play’ stage is anticipated to be published by ECB within the next 48 hours.
There are, as yet, no specific dates for either ‘adapted play’ or full play.
I propose that in the ‘adapted play’ stage it will be for our clubs to arrange what best suits them, whether within their own club, or with a neighbouring club or clubs.
The YSPL will arrange games for the full play stage, probably on the basis of a cup competition with a group stage to ensure that we maximise the use of whatever Saturdays are available, with a t20 competition for some Sunday play.
I, and other chairmen, have made the point that the initial, ‘adapted play’ stage equates to practice for our players, and that it is the full play stage that will be most important for them, so we need an indication of the date for that as soon as possible.
Once a date is known, we will quickly check with our clubs that they are in a position to play from that date, before including them in any formal competition.
I am sorry that I cannot bring you any more definite information yet, but I will continue to keep you informed