24 April 2020 - taken from the ECB website. 

On this page we have brought together all of your questions about the impact of COVID-19 on every area of our game.

We will continue to update this article over the coming days and weeks. 

Recreational game

What is happening to the start of the club season?

Based on the Government’s advice, we recommended the suspension of all recreational cricket on 18 March. This suspension remains in place until further notice in order to keep everyone in the cricket family safe – this is our upmost priority.

This suspension extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

We continue to talk regularly to our County Cricket Boards (CCBs) and our leagues and clubs across the country to ensure we’re able to offer the support that is required.

Will the ECB support grassroots clubs if the season is delayed?

On 31 March, the ECB announced an interim funding package of £61million for the recreational and first-class game. This will provide immediate cash assistance to the game.

Just over £20million of that interim funding package will go specifically to supporting the recreational game.

We continue to talk regularly to our County Cricket Boards (CCBs) and our leagues and clubs across the country to ensure we’re able to offer the support that is required.

In addition, cricket clubs and leagues are now able to apply to two new funding schemes specifically designed to help see them through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Please follow this link for comprehensive information on the ECB Emergency Loan Scheme and the Return To Cricket Grant Scheme.

Are clubs able to source any additional financial help beyond the ECB?

There are a range of other financial support packages that are available to recreational sport and we strongly encourage local clubs and leagues to investigate their eligibility for these, which are available immediately subject to meeting the respective criteria.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Government initiatives
• Sport England (which includes a £20million Community Emergency Fund)
• Sport Wales Emergency Relief Fund 

Should clubs be getting members to pay their subscriptions if the season may not take place?

We will issue guidance on this as soon as it’s appropriate to do so. We may recommend clubs ask for donations from their members and use fund raising products such as a crowdfunding service in place of the normal membership fee.

Should clubs still be running indoor nets or any pre-season social event?

No. Following the Government’s advice around social distancing, it was with sadness and reluctance that we recommended the suspension of all recreational cricket and associated activities on March 18. This suspension remains in place.

When cricket can be played, will there be any guidance on individual behaviour, for example, sharing equipment, shining the ball using saliva?

Our medical teams will support and guide during and beyond this crisis to protect the health and wellbeing of all players and club staff.

Should any official courses (ACO/CA/general cricket coaching) still be taking place?

No. Following the Government’s advice around social distancing, it was with sadness and reluctance that we recommended the suspension of all recreational cricket on March 18.

This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity – and includes ACO courses and general cricket coaching.

Will Dynamos Cricket and All Stars Cricket take place later this summer?

Following the announcement that all recreational cricket will be suspended until further notice, this unfortunately encompasses both the All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket programmes.

In this rapidly changing environment, we are still working through the finer details of the impact of the suspension but can confirm that we are doing our utmost to find a solution which involves running courses later in the summer.

We are also exploring ways that we can bring cricket to homes across the country through indoor games, challenges and digital content.

What’s your advice to elderly members of cricket clubs?

Our best advice to anyone involved in cricket is to follow the Government’s latest advice.

Should children be playing cricket at their schools at this time?

Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, we have recommended that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.

This recommendation includes any schools that are continuing to operate for any vulnerable children or for children whose parents are critical to the COVID-19 response.

Indoor cricket facilities should also be closed in accordance with Government advice.

What is the advice to grounds maintenance teams in the recreational game?

The ECB has shared guidance with the recreational game for grounds maintenance teams.

As of 23 March, the Government introduced increasingly stringent social distancing in a further attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the potential impact on vulnerable individuals. It is essential that this advice is adhered to in relation to the health and wellbeing of all individuals.

As a result of the Government’s announcements, a number of businesses across the United Kingdom have introduced home working for all staff. There will also be a delay to all regular cricket participation and a delay to the regular season.

The latest government guidance means that ground staff/facilities maintenance fall under:

“travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home, provided you are well and neither you nor any of your household are self-isolating".

Should grounds teams decide that essential grounds care needs to continue to look after the club’s facilities during this period of social isolation, they must do so in line with the Government’s latest guidance.

This includes keeping ground staff to minimum numbers, preferably no more than two, that any visits are carefully staggered and particular heightened attention is made to evidence that surfaces carry significant and prolonged risk of contamination. The use of regular shared indoor facilities such as rest rooms, kitchens and changing rooms should be avoided where possible.

This advice is given taking into account the latest government advice. However, the situation is changing very rapidly and may change at short notice. Therefore, please always follow the latest government advice.

Can ECB provide guidance on how clubs should act to stop people turning up and playing social games of cricket?

Everyone should be following government advice on social distancing at this time. 

Clubs are recommended to contact their local police if their ground is being used in a way that does not comply with that advice.

Can clubs make plans for activity should they be able to start the season later?

Yes. We want to help clubs to make sure cricket can start again as soon as it is safe to do so.

We advise all clubs to be flexible and ensure the safety of everyone involved at the club in line with the latest Government advice.

What should we do if someone at our club contracts COVID-19?

For the latest Government advice, please visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/