The ECB have supplied the below information which may assist you if you have any queries about the further delay to the professional cricket season. These FAQs relate to:
International season
When will professional cricket be played?
The ECB announced that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least July 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season remains subject to ongoing advice from government and health experts and continued consultation with all broadcast partners to determine the optimum way to fulfil fixtures both domestically and internationally.
Why did you take the decision to postpone professional cricket till at least July 1?
We firmly believe that protecting the vulnerable, key workers and wider society should be prioritised over any need for sport. It is important to make clear that we will only start the cricket season if it is safe to do so and if Government advice permits.
Will you play international cricket behind closed doors?
We are exploring this option. Our biggest challenge, along with other sports, is how we could seek to implement a bio-secure solution that offers ultimate safety and security. The guidance we receive from Westminster will shape how we deliver this.
When will international cricket take place?
International cricket, featuring the England men’s and women’s teams, will be focussed on being scheduled from July until the end of September, with the West Indies Test Series and the whole women’s series against India (Vitality T20Is and Royal London ODIs) both moving from their original slots.
Will women’s international cricket still be scheduled?
International cricket, featuring the England men’s and women’s teams, will be focussed on being scheduled from July until the end of September, with the West Indies Test Series and the whole women’s series against India (Vitality T20Is and Royal London ODIs) both moving from their original slots.
Domestic
What has been your priority in modelling a revised schedule?
We are being guided by four key priorities:
- Public safety, health and wellbeing of players, operational staff and cricket fans;
- The most financially important forms of cricket for our First-Class Counties, International cricket and the Vitality Blast, to help ensure the future of 18 First-Class Counties and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC);
- Working closely with our broadcast partners to provide as much live cricket as possible to cricket fans; and
- Supporting the women’s game to continue its growth journey
With professional cricket postponed till at least July 1, what impact will this have on the County Championship?
In total there were nine rounds of County Championship action scheduled up to July 1 which due to the postponement have been cancelled, but blocks for red-ball and white-ball cricket will be held in a revised schedule.
What matches will be impacted by the delayed season start to July 1?
- The English professional domestic cricket season was scheduled to get underway on March 24 with the traditional Champion County match between holders Essex and MCC in Galle, Sri Lanka.
- The MCCU matches were due to commence in the first week of April while the County Championship would have started on Sunday April 12.
- In total there were nine rounds of County Championship action scheduled up to July 1.
- The Vitality Blast was due to commence on May 28 and would have had 11 group matches up until the end of June.
- England men’s three-match Test series against West Indies was due to start at the Kia Oval on June 5 followed by the second Test at Edgbaston on June 12 and the third Test at Lord’s commencing on June 25.
- Two England women’s T20Is against India were planned for June 25 and June 27 at Bristol at Taunton.
What’s happening with the Royal London Cup?
The Royal London Cup is an option that is incorporated into some of our models and our thinking. We are fluid with our thoughts at this stage and, once we are in a position to do so, we will be able to confirm the revised schedule.
Recreational
When will recreational cricket be played?
Based on the Government’s advice, we recommended the suspension of all recreational cricket on March 18. This suspension remains in place until further notice in order to keep everyone in the cricket family safe – this is our upmost priority.
Refunds
How can fans get refunds for international fixtures that were scheduled for June?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ECB’s announcement that professional cricket is postponed until at least 1 July, the following international fixtures have been postponed and are intended to be rescheduled to a later date in the 2020 season:
England Men v West Indies Test series
- 4-8 June, The Kia Oval, London
- 12-16 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 25-29 June, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
England Women v India Vitality T20I series
- 25 June, The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
27 June, Bristol County Ground, Bristol
England Women v India Royal London One Day International series
- 1 July, Blackfinch New Road, Worcester
- 4 July, The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
- 6 July, The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
- 9 July, The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
If you are a ticket holder, you do not need to do anything at this stage. We are working with our partners across the game to determine how best to reschedule these fixtures in 2020 when it is safe to do so. Please await further advice from the ECB as to rescheduling plans and how this impacts ticket holders.
Original ticket purchasers will be notified in the event that a match is rearranged. Within this communication, we will outline the process for obtaining a refund if you do not wish to attend the rescheduled date.
However, if due to COVID-19, major matches are cancelled for a day for which you have a valid ticket, payment will be automatically refunded for the face value of the ticket. In all cases, refunds will be made directly to the original payment card used to make the purchase. Tickets purchased using alternative payment methods, or where the original payment card has expired, will be refunded with a cheque sent to the original ticket purchaser.
Can fans get refunds for any international fixtures?
If you are a ticket holder for a fixture later in the season, you do not need to do anything at this stage. We are working with our partners across the game to determine how best to reschedule 2020 fixtures when it is safe to do so. Please await further advice from the ECB as to rescheduling plans and how this impacts ticket holders.
Original ticket purchasers will be notified in the event that a match is rearranged. Within this communication, we will outline the process for obtaining a refund if you do not wish to attend the rescheduled date.
However, if due to COVID-19, major matches are cancelled for a day for which you have a valid ticket, payment will be automatically refunded for the face value of the ticket. In all cases, refunds will be made directly to the original payment card used to make the purchase. Tickets purchased using alternative payment methods, or where the original payment card has expired, will be refunded with a cheque sent to the original ticket purchaser.
How can fans get refunds for the Vitality Blast given the dates have changed?
If you are a Vitality Blast ticket holder, you do not need to do anything at this stage. We are working with our partners across the game to determine how best to reschedule Vitality Blast in 2020 when it is safe to do so.
Blocks for both red and white-ball cricket will be held in a revised schedule, so we ask that you await further advice on any rescheduling plans and how these impact ticket holders.
We will, of course, ensure that we are able to honour your tickets for a rearranged or alternative fixture.
The Hundred
What is the latest with The Hundred?
The Hundred is under ongoing review and a confirmed approach will be released in due course. If you are a ticket holder, you do not need to do anything at this stage. Original ticket purchasers will be contacted in line with any future announcement about the competition.