Irish cricket, like all parts of our society, has been impacted greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions are working hard behind-the-scenes on planning for what the 2020 home season may look like once the crisis passes.
In consultation with the Provincial Unions, we have decided to extend the suspension of all cricket competitions under our auspices until at least 28 May 2020.
The postponement of the start of the season will allow us to observe government directives and public health protocols, and ensure the welfare and safety of our volunteers, players, staff, coaches, and families within the cricket community, and we will take all necessary actions to do our part in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This decision also includes suspension of, or the ongoing suspension of, school and holiday programmes and camps run by the Unions.
While the situation remains somewhat fluid, we are already developing scenarios for how a revised cricket season may look after we can resume operations. These scenarios, of course, will be kept under constant review and we will update clubs as soon as we have more clarity on a likely start date. For Cricket Ireland, this involves working with Unions and relevant clubs on a revised programme for home internationals, the men’s Test Triangle Inter-Provincial Series, the women’s Super 3s, the various all-Ireland cup competitions and the under-age programme.
As you would expect, our offices will continue to remain closed during this time with staff working from home whilst all meetings (including Board meetings and committee meetings) will be fulfilled by video/teleconferences. There will be an update on the timing of the Annual General Meeting as well, in due course.
Club support
Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions have also been liaising with sporting bodies on what funding and support opportunities are, or will be, available to clubs. In the coming week we will communicate further details about relevant programmes and initiatives that may be relevant to your club, and we will keep you as informed as possible about the evolving nature of these as they are announced.
Provincial Union statements
For Provincial Union-specific details, see:
– Munster Cricket Union statement
– North West Cricket Union statement
– Northern Cricket Union statement
As ever, stay safe and we wish you and your loved ones well during these challenging times.
Joint statement
A joint statement between Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions
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