ECB delays the start of its cricket summer until May 28 amid Coronavirus pandemic

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to delay the start of all professional cricket. The rising concerns over the deadly Coronovirus forced the board to take this decision. At least until the 28th of May, all sorts of tournaments are suspended in England and Wales.

Cricketing boards all over the world have taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the cricketers and the fans. Hence it came as no surprise to the seven-week delay declared by the ECB. English domestic cricket is regarded as one of the most competitive and long seasons. After discussions with the First-Class Counties, the MCC and the PCA it was concluded that providing a break was definitely more than a necessity.

There are quite a few options that the board will be looking into that include a reduction in the length of the competitions and playing in empty stadiums. It will provide a fitting and entertaining game broadcast to the fans at home.

“During this period of deep uncertainty, it is the ECB’s first priority to protect the wellbeing of everyone within the cricket family, from players to fans and colleagues across the game.’’ said the ECB Cheif Executive Officer Tom Harrison in a statement released.

However, measures have been taken to kick start the action again in the month of June including the three-Test series against West Indies, the T20 Blast and England Women’s schedule against India. It is important to keep the present situation under control in order to pave the way for those series to take place according to the ECB.

Delay is unavoidable, says Harrison

“The decision to delay the start of the season has been essential, given the circumstances the nation faces. I am reassured by the collaborative effort from across the game that together, we will make the very best of whatever length of the season we are able to safely schedule in the coming months.

“With the information available to us at the moment, a delay to the start of the professional cricket season until 28 May was unavoidable”.

“This also allows us time to keep pace with a fast-moving situation and continue to plan for how a revised season might look. Critically, we can also remain as flexible and adaptable as possible, within the obvious restrictions we face”.

“Securing the future of the game will be a primary focus as we plot a revised schedule with an emphasis on the most financially important forms of the game for the counties across international and domestic cricket.’’ Harrison further added.

He ensured that at this time of great difficulty and confusion, the game has to undergo several adaptable changes and must be flexible. With the collective efforts, the cricketing fraternity can certainly pull off a smooth decision-making process and can make future series come alive.