The return of recreational cricket is still paused by both the Government and to an extent the ECB. We accept many of our players, staff employed and associated to our clubs along with followers of the league are wondering and debating if a return - in any form - can happen this current season.
The council meeting scheduled for the 1st July has of course been cancelled, as have any future ones until further notice. However the Executive meeting is taking place and we have issued the following statement ahead of it.
On Wednesday 1st July a meeting of the League Executive will take place via Google Meet. The Executive will be considering, along with other issues, the position of our League and Cup competitions for season 2020, and any plans for a possible return to playing some form of cricket within the remaining months of the season.
As you are all aware recreational cricket is currently suspended until further notice, although the ECB have said that they are:
"...keen to see the imminent and safe return of our sport at recreational level and have been working hard with the Government to achieve this", and that they are: "...optimistic that forms of the game can be played while respecting social distancing. Step 4, (of the Roadmap for the Return of Recreational Cricket) Adapted Play, will allow for cricket to be played, operating under Government rules and with modifications to the game to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved."
Step 5 of the Roadmap for the Return of Recreational Cricket - Unrestricted play, would involve full use of facilities and the removal of Social distancing!
As soon as practically possible after the meeting, we will be making a statement outlining any decisions reached together with some proposals for a possible way forward during the future months of the season, should a return to cricket be allowed by the Government and the ECB.
Please note that all proposals will be based upon the ECB date for any re-start of cricket, and that the safety of all involved has to be our priority.
Norman Clee
DHCL General Secretary27 June 2020
