#CoronavirusOutbreak: ECB gives this directive regarding resumption of cricket
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that no professional cricket will take place in England and Wales till May 28 in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The ECB said it is working on a range of options to start the season in June, July or August. Here's more on the same.
The ECB has an immediate focus on options for cricket
The ECB has an immediate focus on options for cricket in June, which includes the three-Test series against West Indies, the T20 Blast and England Women's series against the India. However, this is unlikely given the UK government's assessment stated that the peak of the pandemic will only occur in the country in June. The virus has claimed over 11,000 lives globally.
ECB CEO has his say on the matter
As per IANS, ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: "The decision to delay the start of the season has been essential, given the circumstances the nation faces." "With the information available to us at the moment a delay to the start of the professional cricket season until May 28 was unavoidable."
UK PM ordered these places to close from Friday night
If the season does get underway this summer, then international cricket, The Hundred and T20 Blast will be prioritized. On Friday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all cafes, pubs and restaurants to close from Friday night. However, there as an exception for take-away food. All these were done to tackle coronavirus. There have been over 160 deaths in England from the coronavirus outbreak.
Cricket West Indies offers England to host Test series
Earlier, Cricket West Indies (CWI) offered to host the three-match Test series against England later this year. The Test series between the two nations was originally scheduled in England from June 4, but the coronavirus pandemic has put the series under doubt. CWI chief executive Johnny Grave stated that the board has held talks with England Cricket Board regarding this matter.
