English County Championship to commence from 1 August

While International cricket works its way back on July 8, England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB] approved on Monday to commence the County Championship from August 1. 

The County Championship was initially supposed to start on April 12, but had to be postponed due to an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases in England. However, the schedule for the county season will be formulated with the consensus of all 18 first-class county teams at a meeting scheduled to be held in mid-July.

ECB Chairman, Tom Harrison, claimed that it was a progressive step taken as a result to revive county cricket in England during a turbulent period. 

“It’s a significant step for our game that we are able to approve the start of the men’s domestic season for Aug. 1 and one which will be welcomed by everyone connected with County Cricket," he said.  

However, the schedule for the county season will be formulated with the consensus of all 18 first-class county teams at a meeting scheduled to be held in mid-July. 

Tom further added that the safety of players, support staff and management is indeed a key priority. 

"It must be stressed that the safety of our players, staff and officials has been the first priority through all discussions and government guidance will continue to shape our planning and preparation," Tom Harrison was quoted as saying in a statement.

[Hindustan Times inputs]