Cricketers stumped as play suspended
The Northumberland & Tyneside Cricket League, which has teams playing across eight divisions, had been due to open their new campaign on Saturday, April 18.
But the ECB have issued a directive that all forms of the game will be halted due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
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Hide AdA number of clubs had already cancelled nets training ahead of the announcement.
A statement from the ECB said: “It is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are now suspended.
“This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.
“Sport plays a vital role in wellbeing, both physically and mentally. One of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways thast we can support some levels of physical activity in communities, particularly at junior level.
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Hide Ad“We understand that countless hours of work from thousands of volunteers have already gone into getting ready for the 2020 season and we know how disappointing this will be.
“We know that you and your clubs can play an important role in bringing your community together once we get past this period of time.”