COMP STILL ON TARGET FOR 24 APRIL START.

Date: 26th February 2021

Dependent on awaited guidance from ECB, Sport England, and DCMS.

Between now and 29 March there are a number of key issues to be decided, not the least being the requirements of the “further guidance” from the ECB, following on from agreement with the DCMS, as indicated in their official statement below.

"The ECB welcomes the Government’s decision to permit outdoor grassroots cricket to return in time for the start of the 2021 season from 29^th March. Cricket plays an important role in many people’s lives and helps to maintain positive mental and physical wellbeing. We are working with Sport England and the Government on each step of the Government’s Roadmap. We will issue further guidance shortly on what each step of the roadmap means for the game to support players, teams, clubs, coaches and umpires to prepare in time for 29^th March. “We continue to work with Sport Wales and the Welsh Government on the safe return of recreational cricket as soon as possible in Wales.”

What is clear now is that matches played from 24 April and until at least 17 May will be without changing rooms and clubhouses with an expectation that the situation may change after that along with the removal of national restrictions.

Our immediate timetable for consideration of issues with clubs is:

Mon 1 March LCF Leagues Meeting ZOOM 7pm ( Chris Weston attending)

Tues 2 March Club Junior Representatives (to agree divisional groups) ZOOM 7pm

Wed 3 March Restart Group ZOOM 7pm

Tues 9 March All Clubs Representatives Meeting ZOOM 7pm

For now, our message to clubs is, unless there is a good and practical reason not to, we are preparing for a full season of Time Cricket with promotion and relegation. So keep preparing your grounds and get ready.