THE 2020 season of the ENCO Halifax Cricket League should have been starting last Saturday (April 18) but, obviously, due to the current unprecedented coronavirus situation, no play went ahead.

Following the directive from the ECB and YCB, the League’s Management Board has reinforced the suspension, until further notice, of all senior and junior matches and any related activities under its jurisdiction, including club organised training and practice matches.

Even if the national suspension of recreational cricket is lifted early, no senior or junior Halifax League matches, including knockout competitions, will be played before May 31.

Indeed, any cricket before June 20 is considered highly unlikely, especially now the professional game will not be back in action until at least July 1.

The Vocation Brewery T20 Trophy has become the first of the league’s competitions to be cancelled totally and the Board said it would like to record its appreciation at the understanding shown by the sponsors.

Administratively, all league meetings have also been cancelled until further notice and the Board says it is strongly recommended that all clubs comply with current Government regulations with regard to their own club meetings and gatherings.

The Board has again considered all possible options for the season, including starting some fixtures in late June, July and/or August, but it should be understood that a summer without cricket is a possibility.

However it is important to be guided by Government, the ECB and YCB.

A further update will be issued on May 15, 2020.