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Cricket Season 2021 - Covid 19 Update
Following on from yesterday’s Scottish Government’s Strategic Framework update
about the phased and gradual easing of lockdown, I want to let you know you how
Cricket Scotland continues to work towards, and lobby for, the return of the sport. In
this we recognise, like all the Scottish cricket community, the continuing public
health crisis caused by the virus.
The Scottish Government has stated their intention for the Level system (0 to 4) to
return at the end of April, subject to the evolution of the virus. This should allow for
some sport to be played close the traditional start date for the cricket season, albeit
probably under some restrictions. The detail of what activity will be permitted in
each level is currently expected to be confirmed in mid-March.
I remain optimistic that a better domestic cricket season than last year will be
possible in 2021. Last summer we proved that cricket is Covid-safe, and scientific
research has been published since then showing that there is minimal risk of Covid-
19 transmission through sports equipment such as cricket balls. There have been no
reported cases of Covid-19 linked to cricket matches; through the work done last
summer, we know that the game itself is safe and that risks of transmission through
activity outside the boundary rope can be mitigated.
Cricket Scotland will continue to advocate for the game to be allowed to restart as
soon as it is safely possible. Since last season, cricket has been re-classified, following
our representations, as a “non-contact” sport which should make the re-opening of
the game easier under the regulations. For example, cricket will be able to take
advantage of the relaxation in about mid-March (all going well) which will permit
non-contact outdoor group sports for 12–17-year-olds.
The Scottish Government has made it clear that the timings they have laid out are
indicative and any changes will be driven by the virus data. It should also be noted
that the provisional dates for the resumption of activities in England set-out by UK
Government on 22nd February do not apply to Scotland.
As has been the case throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Cricket Scotland is in
regular contact with sportscotland to ensure that cricket is well represented in any
plans for a return to sport. In addition, we will, as before, work with the Regional
Associations and the new Cricket Scotland Match Officials Association to plan the
season as greater clarity emerges.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and update you all regularly on
progress. The next update will be issued in mid-March unless there are material
developments before then.
Gus Mackay, Chief Executive
24 February 2021
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