Mumbai: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday admitted that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until 1 July due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Both England’s Test series against the West Indies and the England women’s white-ball games against India have been officially postponed.
The ECB said in a statement, “This season is subject to ongoing advice from the government and health experts, and consultations with all broadcasting partners to determine the optimal way to complete the fixtures domestically and internationally.”
The ECB board confirmed that nine-round fixtures would be lost in the county championship season, but the blocks for red-ball cricket and white-ball cricket would be held in a revised schedule.
The Vitality Blast will be pushed forward to arrive late in the season. All matches previously held in June will be moved later in the season.
While an additional board meeting will be held next Wednesday on The Hundred, following a request to dedicate another session to the competition.
“Our plan is to reschedule as many international matches as possible late in the season to give the game the best chance. Vitality Blast will now offer as many of the latest season slots as possible to play county short-form competition,” ECB Chief Executive Officer of Tom Harrison said.
He said, “Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we can implement a bio-safe solution that provides optimal safety and security for all concerned. The guidance we receive from Westminster will help us shape how we deliver this.”
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