Cricket Scotland officials have written to the Scottish Government, expressing frustration at another delay in the resumption of inter-club activity during the 2020 domestic season.
Following Thursday’s announcement by the Scottish Government that the country remains in Phase 3 of the route map out of lockdown, cricket activity remains limited to club-based activity until at least August 24, which is just a few weeks before the scheduled end of the season.
This effectively means there is unlikely to be any action at all and the governing body said: “We recognise this is hugely frustrating to all of us as much work had already been done to arrange and prepare for friendly fixtures during August.”
“Although the introduction of intra-club games has proved successful within many clubs, we are particularly conscious that smaller clubs with lower membership numbers, particularly in rural locations, are not able to play 11-a-side intra-club matches, (though other formats such as six-a-side games might be possible).
“Cricket Scotland has been actively lobbying for an early resumption of cricket activity and matches throughout the gradual easing of lockdown.
“As a result of yesterday’s announcement, Cricket Scotland is today writing to the Sports Minister and the First Minister to argue cricket’s case again.
“Cricket Scotland met with the regional and match official associations on Friday morning, as part of a series of such meetings which have taken place throughout the crisis, to discuss the situation and the steps now being taken.”
Everybody within the sport has accepted the severity of the pandemic and the requirement to be careful in easing any social distancing restrictions.
But many believe there is no reason why clubs could not arrange matches in August, given that other sports have adapted to the new normal and resumed their activities.
How is your club coping with the current situation? If you want to share your story, please contact neil.drysdale@ajl.co.uk
