We have received the below update:

Following continued work with the Department of Digital, Culture, Music and Sport, the ECB are waiting for government approval before we can provide any further update on the return of recreational cricket. We remain optimistic of cricket being the first team sport to return to play, and anticipate more news shortly. We are continuing to work hard behind the scenes to make this happen and will keep you informed as things progress.

In the event of a return, the ECB will be producing guidelines on what a “return to cricket” looks like and that will include top line guidance for officials. It is anticipated that following the release of those guidelines, the ACO will work with the leagues and publish more detailed guidelines specifically for umpires and scorers. These will be distributed via an Over and Out email to all ACO members and via the leagues to their clubs. A definitive statement regarding insurance will also be published at the same time. 

Martin Gentle
Interim Head of ACO & Membership Service Manager (ECBACO)

The ECB has provided an update about the proposed restart of the 2020 Domestic season. Please note that this only applies to first-class cricket, and not the recreational game.

You can read the update by clicking here.

The following letter has been sent to County Cricket Boards by Nick Pryde, the ECB Director of Participation & Growth. It is reproduced verbatim below:

Hello all,

After the Prime Minister’s comments today around the return of cricket, I wanted to write to you all this evening to share our desire and commitment to see the return of recreational cricket. Additionally, I also want to reassure you that we are continuing to work hard with Government to achieve this.

As you know, cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted. It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4th July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.

It is heartening that the Government has already permitted the return of other ball sports, including tennis and basketball, and we are sure that our interpretation of the risks around ball transmission is consistent with these other games. Any guidance we share with the game will include directions on how to mitigate any risk from handling the ball as we continue to prioritise the health and safety of the cricket family in all our decision-making.

I ask that you continue to work closely with your clubs and leagues to prepare for the season and I will provide an update on tomorrow’s call. We will shortly release a public statement that reflects this sentiment.

Regards,

Nick Pryde
Director of Participation & Growth
England and Wales Cricket Board

Don’t forget the answers will be published daily on our twitter feed  https://twitter.com/warwickshireACO and facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WarwickshireACO, so please pop by follow those accounts for regular updates.