PCA PRESS RELEASE
Chairman Daryl Mitchell provides an update from the PCA.
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The Professional Cricketers’ Association welcomes the announcement from the ECB that men’s domestic cricket is set to return on 1 August and there is a commitment to play domestic women’s cricket this summer.
The domestic season which was due to start on 12 April, was delayed on 20 March, a decision the PCA fully supported to protect the health and welfare of players and all associated with the professional game.
PCA Chairman, Daryl Mitchell, said:
“County cricket returning from 1 August is hugely positive for our membership. It has been an incredibly uncertain time for players who have waited patiently for some encouraging news.
“Some county players have already started to return to training and now we have an official date to restart I am confident all counties will have their players back to prepare for the return of competitive cricket in just over four weeks.
“We look forward to seeing a schedule as soon as possible so we can all understand what will be required from players from the start of August."
DARYL MITCHELL
“The health of our membership remains our number one priority and no player should be required to return to work if they do not feel comfortable due to any underlying health issues or other factors such as living with vulnerable people. We have pushed for an ‘opt in’ process with ECB and the counties so players can totally understand the protocols in place to mitigate risks and those who are not yet able to return feel comfortable in not opting in.
“I commend the expertise and effort that has been shown by the ECB and the first-class counties to get to this stage. The planning and safety procedures that are being put in place will make the return to professional cricket as safe as it possibly can.
“We look forward to seeing a schedule as soon as possible so we can all understand what will be required from players from the start of August.
“The commitment to play women’s domestic cricket this summer is also very positive. We need to continue the momentum of the women’s game so to have an assurance this summer will not be completely lost to domestic players is another step in the right direction.
“The game is still facing arguably it’s biggest ever crisis at all levels, however, through a collaborative approach gradual steps are being taken to restore cricket and the confirmation of county cricket returning is vital in returning to some kind of normality.”
