Yorkshire CCC and county cricket to return on August 1

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given its approval for the professional men’s county cricket season to begin after a near four-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The formats to be played during the delayed men’s county season are due to be agreed by Yorkshire and the other 17 first-class counties in early July, with a new fixture schedule to be published thereafter.

Only the inaugural edition of The Hundred has been scrapped from the calendar so far – meaning how much of the County Championship or the T20 Blast can be squeezed in, will be at the top of the agenda.

A commitment to play women’s domestic cricket in 2020, which consists of eight regions, has also been made by the ECB, but may differ from the planned rollout of the new women’s elite domestic structure.

County cricket has been on hold since April – Yorkshire and their fellow counties have not played for nine months – because of the coronavirus pandemic, but England will return to action with three Tests against the West Indies in July at the ‘bio-secure venues’ of the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford from next Wednesday.

Health and safety remains the prime concern for the ECB, which has approved the return to training of first-class counties on or before July 1 (tomorrow), while a dedicated working group has been formed to focus specifically on domestic details in the midst of a public health crisis.

The main objectives of this group include concentrating on developing a single set of operating procedures that will incorporate cricket operations, venue operations and medical protocols and providing a single delivery model that can be implemented across all first-class counties.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison: “It is a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for August 1 and one which will be welcomed by everyone connected with County Cricket.

“It follows extensive consultation between the 18 first-class counties, the Professionals Cricketers’ Association and ECB and has only been achievable thanks to the significant hard work that continues to occur as we prepare for a domestic season unlike any the game has faced before.

“It must be stressed that the safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and Government guidance will continue to shape our planning and preparation.

“Planning for the return of the women’s domestic game remains ongoing, but our commitment to women’s domestic cricket is unwavering and we look forward to sharing further news 
shortly.

“Our strong preference is that the women’s new elite domestic structure starts this summer and we will work hard to ensure that happens.

“For this to be achieved, brand new infrastructure still needs to be rolled-out, alongside imperatives we need in place when playing competitive cricket during a pandemic.

“Our first choice remains to do everything we can to start this year and build on the fantastic momentum in the women’s game.

“In the event that proves impossible, we will explore other options for play to enable our women’s players to enjoy competitive domestic cricket in 2020.

“We will continue to work closely with both the men’s and women’s domestic game to ensure necessary safety measures are in place to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.”

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