It’s still too early to say when we will be able to start playing competitive cricket again.
The ground is ready and looking a picture, we have members itching to get out there and, thankfully, the pandemic seems to be slowly receding.
The Saracens League posted this update on its website in mid-May. It signals a restart date for the league of July 11 but there is much to be discussed before then.
“Broadly, as we indicated in our last update and subject to the Government and ECB guidance, we intend to start the league season on 11th July. Most clubs have said that they could play beyond the normal league season and we have decided that the latest possible date that we could start (and get in 9 games) would be 25th July and some clubs who lose their grounds would have to play away for the last two games. Because of possible weather and Covid-19 cancellations, there would have to be a minimum of 7 games played. All matches would be under the limited overs format. To reiterate, this question is asked of the top twenty clubs and we will require 14 of those 20 to be in favour for there to be promotion and relegation as suggested. All other divisional league games would take place without promotion and relegation, but we do intend to award trophies as usual to all divisional winners. Clearly there will be no fines for cancellations as there may be ground availability issues as well as player availability issues related to self-isolation. Lastly if we get the green light from the Government and ECB there will be, as with the opening of net practice, a number of stringent conditions which we do not intend to speculate on here.We must wait and see, but we think it is important to have a plan in mind.”
So, we will just have to wait and see. At the Park, nets are open (under a booking system) and updated ECB regulations (see here) allow for groups of up to six to train together under strict but sensible controls.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that action get under way as soon as possible. In the meantime, please stay safe and keep well.
