When the arrangements for the new cricket season during a restricted period were confirmed in the League Executive in early April it was decided that the situation would be reviewed by the Executive every fortnight and matches would return to the full 50/45 over format as soon as practically possible.
The Executive have now taken a first review and carefully considered the situation together with the most up-to-date Covid guidance from the ECB. The Executive confirms that during the current Restricted Period (Government Step 2) 1st XI fixtures will continue to be of 40 overs duration. However 2nd XI fixtures will, with immediate effect, be increased from 35 to 40 overs in line with 1st XI matches. Bowlers will be restricted to a maximum of 8 overs per innings. This means that all 2nd XI fixtures this coming weekend Saturday 1st May will be of 40 overs length.
All other arrangements already announced regarding cricket during the Restricted Period remain unaltered.
It is further anticipated that all cricket will be able to return to the full 1st XI 50 overs:2nd XI 45 overs match length formats and operate using full normal League matchplay rules after Government Step 3 on 17th May (first fixture Sat 22nd May). This remains subject to the Government confirming the easing of restrictions from the 17th May as currently outlined in Step 3 of the Roadmap Out Of Lockdown, and a final confirmation by the Executive one week in advance of Saturday 22nd May by Friday 14th May.
