The Second Delay For The ECB Season: Will We See A Further Postponement?

As many of the world’s population begin to lessen their lockdown measures, many in the UK are wondering when we will begin to see these restrictions lifted. With government guidance remaining set on staying home and saving lives, many are wondering whether or not a return to sport will be possible in 2020.

The Ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic

With a total of 2.97 million confirmed cases of Coronavirus around the world, this is a pandemic that has had a profound effect on the world’s population. With the virus spreading so easily and a majority of those who have it having no symptoms at all, it has led to an increase in the number of cases over time. Due to the lack of knowledge surrounding how the virus spreads, many countries have had lockdown measures lace on their way of living. This has meant that a majority of the nation has only been able to leave the house once a day.

With measures like this in place, the ongoing covid-19 outbreak has also presented a risk to the economy. With retail sales falling to a record low and live events such as football games and concerts all postponed or cancelled, this can prevent a vast amount of financial uncertainty at this unprecedented time.

The Return To Sport

As many of us begin to wonder when these lockdown measures will begin to lessen, several sporting officials are discussing the return of sport shortly. With Government talks taking place regarding the ability to resume the season, this is looking promising for those that want some sort of normalcy. However, the ECB and other major Cricket associations are not sure if that will be possible. In the most recent decision made by the ECB following health official’s advice, it is looking likely that a further postponement or even cancellation of the tournament will take place.

In the most recent decision, the approved the following provisions:

• Professional Cricket Games in Wales and the UK will not be played until at least July 1^st
• County Championship fixtures will lose nine rounds. However, some of this may be playable in the revised schedule.
• The Vitality T20 Blast will be moved further back into the schedule. This will raise the chances of this event not being affected by the pandemic and still be playable.
• Both Men and Women’s international cricket has been rescheduled to September to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.

Each of these steps is just outlined at this time and could change depending on the information provided to them by health officials and official government advice. Should either of these suggest that a return to sport is not possible at this time, we could see this being postponed to 2021.

The Revised Schedule

Though there is no schedule set out at this time, we are set to see a schedule released soon for the future of the cricket season. This will include both men and women’s tournaments and will outline some of the key events that will be taking place on this revised schedule. However, should this return to sport occur in the latter half of this year, could it be behind closed doors? This is looking likely for several sporting associations as they begin talks with pundits and event promoters. With those watching still able to make bets online, this has the potential to provide the thrill of live sports whilst maintaining social distancing measures. But with travel bans and other restrictions still in place, will the return to sport be possible in the near future? Only time will tell.

The Financial Implications Of Further Postponements

Should sport continue to be affected by these postponements, we are likely to see a huge hit in terms of the financial impact on sporting teams up and down the country. With a vast number of overheads as well as lack of revenue for empty stadiums, the closure of all major sporting events is leading to many teams cutting costs. Should the lockdown measures continue into the summer, we may well see sporting associations looking for financial aid to re-start their seasons.

With this in mind, there is a sense that many of us want a return to normalcy at this time, but as information is still being collected on the virus, the return to sporting events with live audiences is looking unlikely until at least 2021.