Competitive cricket to start 8th May in the North West
The NWCU, alongside NCU and Cricket Ireland, welcomes the opportunity for cricket competitions to begin again in Northern Ireland from 8th May.
Following consultations with all of our clubs at last night’s Club Forum we are now in a position to begin to outline the proposed schedule and fixtures for the 2021 season. The proposed schedule is based on current guidelines on restrictions and what we know now. It is of course subject to change with the future easing of NI Executive restrictions as we move through the season.
Our plan outlines a phased approach with:
- an initial return to T20 competitions from 8th May.
- an indicative date of 12th June for a return to longer formats of the game including the Longs Supervalu 40-over Premiership.
- Youth, Women’s and midweek to start w/c 17th May
That indicative date for longer formats is subject to change and is dependent on the progress of easing of government restrictions. The NWCU will continue to monitor Irish government announcements and will work closely with our two Donegal clubs, St Johnston and Letterkenny, to help ensure a return to play as soon as possible.
Updates regarding spectators and hospitality will be issued once further government guidelines are announced, however clubs are reminded that currently no spectators are permissible at any matches.
We will continue to monitor government announcements and guidelines and communicate with our clubs if we need to make any adjustments to the season schedule. We all look forward to a safe return to cricket in the weeks ahead.
Clubs will be issued with fixtures as well as the Return to Play protocols soon, to assist with preparation for competitions starting on 8th May.
