Cricket Ireland suspend all cricket competitions till 28 May 2020
A joint statement between Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions decided to extend the suspension of all cricket competitions under our auspices until at least 28 May 2020. Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions are planning for the 2020 home season that has been impacted greatly by the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) pandemic.
Cricket Ireland posted a statement on their official website that the postponement of the start of the season will allow them to observe government directives and public health protocols, and ensure the welfare and safety of their volunteers, players, coaches, staff, and families within the cricket community, and they will take all necessary actions to do our part in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This decision also includes suspension of, or the ongoing suspension of, school and holiday programs and camps run by the Unions.
Even if the situation remains the same, then they are already developing scenarios for a revised cricket season, after that, they can resume operations. These scenarios, of course, will be kept under constant review and they will update clubs as soon as they have more clarity on a likely start date. For Cricket Ireland, this involves working with Unions and relevant clubs on a revised program for home internationals, the men’s Test Triangle Inter-Provincial Series, the women’s Super 3s, the various all-Ireland cup competitions, and the under-age program.
International cricket series that get postponed due to Coronavirus outbreak
Cricket Ireland and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have agreed to postpone the planned seven-match men’s series between the two sides scheduled to be played in Belfast and England in May 2020.
In line with advice from both Irish and UK governments around international travel, sporting events, and mass gatherings, the two Boards had agreed that the series should be postponed given the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and anticipated timeframes.
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“Once the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic was understood, and the advice of both Governments and partner boards was sought, it became increasingly unlikely that this series could proceed as scheduled. We have a responsibility to protect the wellbeing of players, coaches, fans and the wider community, and will not hesitate to take a safety-first approach to our operations over the coming months.”
“We will continue monitoring the situation, and will liaise as necessary with relevant sports bodies, public health agencies and our stakeholders here and abroad, and provide further updates on the home season in due course.”
“We would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their helpful cooperation in reaching this decision, and we shall work with them at establishing new dates for the series when we are all in a position to plan for the future with greater certainty.”
Zimbabwe Cricket and Cricket Ireland have today agreed to postpone the planned six-match men’s series between the two sides scheduled to be played in Zimbabwe next month.
While there are no current Irish government travel restrictions or prohibitions relating to Zimbabwe, the two governing bodies believed the risk posed by travel, and the fast-changing nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic required a prudent and safety-first approach to protect the health of players, coaching staff and fans.
Givemore Makoni, Acting Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, said:
“We were looking forward to hosting Ireland in Bulawayo next month, but with the world in the throes of a public health emergency on a scale not witnessed in over a century, postponing the tour was the only reasonable decision.”
“Indeed, the mutually agreed decision to postpone the series is the right thing to do, given the worsening Coronavirus pandemic and the overwhelming priority to safeguard the players, fans and the entire cricket community.”
“We are looking to reschedule the tour once the pandemic has been brought under control.”
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:
“This is the only reasonable decision in the circumstances, as we all play our part in containing the spread of COVID-19. We have taken the advice of Irish and British governments, as well as relevant health and sports bodies, and will take a safety-first approach to our operations over the coming weeks and months.”
“Apart from the players and coaches, it is the families and social circles that we are conscious of, and to tour at this point would cause unnecessary risk to the wider community.”
“We pass on our thanks to Givemore and all of Zimbabwe Cricket for so readily agreeing with this position, and we shall work with Zimbabwe Cricket to seek a new date for the tour when we are all in a position to plan for the future with greater certainty.”
