England’s county season to begin from August 1: The English players are all set to return to competitive cricket in August.
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English players will finally resume playing competitive cricket from August 1 as England Cricket Board has confirmed the resumption of domestic cricket after consultation with 18 first-class counties and the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
While the final fixtures are yet to be made public, it is being said that the “truncated” season will include first-class, List A and T20 matches in a bid to ensure a fair chance to players playing across formats.
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Despite the opening of pubs and restaurants in England, no development regarding domestic cricket was difficult to comprehend among fans who were waiting for domestic cricket to resume.
England’s county season to begin from August 1
With players mostly being in lockdown from the last three months, they are expected to resume training on or after July 1. Given the extended break, the players need to be given at least a month before they play a competitive match especially first-class cricket.
Speaking in a statement, ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison opened up on approving the domestic season. Harrison laid emphasis on the safety of players and all involved individuals which is the reason why ECB has also set up a dedicated working group to oversee all matters pertaining to domestic cricket against the backdrop of COVID-19.
“It is a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for 1 August and one which will be welcomed by everyone connected with County Cricket.
“It follows extensive consultation between the 18 First-Class Counties, the Professionals Cricketers’ Association and ECB and has only been achievable thanks to the significant hard work that continues to occur as we prepare for a domestic season unlike any the game has faced before.
“It must be stressed that the safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and Government guidance will continue to shape our planning and preparation,” Harrison said in a statement.
