Scottish cricket’s governing body has confirmed that all league activity has been scrapped in 2020 due to the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.
The news, while hardly surprising, represents a major blow for the sport’s aficionados, participants and clubs, whose premises have been closed since March 20.
Cricket Scotland announced on Wednesday that the start of domestic cricket activity in Scotland is being put back to July 1 and it is anticipated that no domestic matches, either friendly or competitive, will take place before August.
The decision followed a virtual meeting between Cricket Scotland, the Officials Associations and the regional associations which run a variety of local and league competitions throughout Scotland.
The gap between July 1 and August 1 gives time for players to prepare for cricket, for grounds to be made ready and for any necessary protocols to be put in place.
But it also means that no league cricket or national cup competitions in Scotland will take place this season.
There are still hopes that spme action can take place in August,with the creation of friendly and, potentially, competitive fixture structures – most likely concentrating on the T20 format – in August and possibly September, depending on player, official and ground availability.
Yet even that prospect depends on lockdown restrictions being lifted to the stage where team sports can be held without participants being put at risk of infection.
Gus Mackay, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said: “We very much understand that those involved in the game will be disappointed that there will be no league cricket this year and the decision has been made with a heavy heart.
“However, in all the circumstances, we believe this decision brings the necessary clarity for the game in Scotland while seeking to provide, when we can, some form of cricket in 2020, working within the Scottish Government’s guidelines.
“These plans are subject to review as further information and guidance becomes available. Further announcements will be made as appropriate.”
It’s expected the news will also mean the postponement of the international matches currently scheduled in June and July against New Zealand, Australia, Nepal and Namibia.
