ALL cricket in Devon has been put on hold until further notice following a statement issued today (Wednesday) from the England and Wales Cricket Board on the coronavirus crisis.

Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the ECB, issued detailed guidance to clubs concerning the 2020 season. Click here to read the full statement.

Said Harrison: “With sadness, but in the light of the body of medical evidence, the ECB have suspended all recreational cricket and cricket related activities.”

Ed LevertonEd Leverton, the secretary of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, said in a statement to clubs the ECB’s decision was right one in the current climate.

Said Leverton: “The Tolchards Devon Cricket League and the Devon Women’s Cricket League understand both the disappointment and potential hardship that this will cause our member clubs. 

“However, the current spread of the virus is unprecedented, and we firmly endorse the action taken by our national governing body.  Consequently, there will be no League cricket in the foreseeable future or until such time as the Government advises that it is safe for recreational sport to resume.

“We will ensure contact with our member clubs over the coming weeks and months so that everyone is aware of the current situation. 

“Given Government advice around the ‘at-risk’ groups, and the need for social distancing, we would encourage clubs to think differently about how they communicate internally and explore the opportunities around ‘virtual’ meetings.

“There are some things in this life that are more important than cricket.  The health and wellbeing of all our club volunteers, officials and players is of the utmost value to us.

More information will become available over the next few days and we will communicate this to you.  Working in partnership with both the ECB and the Devon Cricket Board, we will do our best to find ways to support our member clubs during this extremely difficult time.”