THE start of the Bradford League, Craven League and Aire-Wharfe League seasons are likely to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, along with many other adult and junior cricket leagues in the district.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced yesterday that it was recommending that all recreational cricket, and associated activity, be suspended following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing.

The full statement read: “Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.

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

“Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities, particularly at junior level.

“Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.

“It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with the Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making.

“Over the coming weeks, we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues, who will have such a huge role to play in our nation’s response to coming out of this situation.”