WEPL Statement regarding Return of Cricket 2020

Message from WEPL Secretary, Clive Copp

While recreational cricket still remains suspended and despite the recent comments from the Prime Minister, the ECB has released confirmation that they remain confident that cricket can move toward Stage 4 on the previously released roadmap to cricket, meaning that adapted game play should be possible together with COVID-19 secure guidelines.

At this stage, there is no indication as to when the next update will come from either the Department of Culture, Media and Sport or the ECB.  In the meantime, we believe it prudent to continue to plan in a positive way.

Unfortunately, given the current restrictions, we will be unable to play our initial half year plan but It is clear from surveys that our players would like some sort of competitive cricket if we are able to organise it.

We are therefore going to offer the following option for our Clubs:

We are putting together ‘bubble’ divisions of either 4,6 or 8 teams based around localised matches and playing as full a game as possible under the restrictions imposed.

Provided the guidance allows, we would aim to commence on Saturday 25 July and run for six/seven weeks depending on the size of the ‘bubbles’.

Further details will follow when we have updated information, but we wanted to inform you of our intentions in order that you can get your grounds ready for play.

We would point out that there are unlikely to be any independently appointed umpires and that clubs will be required to provide one themselves.

At this stage, we would like to find out whether your club would like to be involved in this season’s adapted structure and whether you would be able to host on Saturday 25 July? 

Could you therefore please inform myself (Clive Copp at [email protected]) by Monday 6 July latest if you are either:

  1.        Not wishing to participate in the adapted localised divisions or,
  2.        Unable to host cricket on a Saturday between 25 July and 5 September.

If your club wishes to participate and can host on any of the Saturdays between the two dates then there is no need to reply. 

Thank you for your patience.  We hope that you have been successful in keeping your club running in some fashion during this difficult period.

Clive Copp

WEPL Administrator