Ireland fixtures affected by COVID-19

Cricket Ireland has held a virtual board meeting to discuss how to carry out cricketing operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with domestic and international cricket both affected.

The men’s team home series against New Zealand, plus the home T20Is against Pakistan, have both been postponed. Meanwhile, the three men’s ODI Super League away matches against England, scheduled to be played in September, are under active discussion.

Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom expressed his understanding for such measures to be made.

“It had become fairly obvious following the recent series of Government announcements in the Republic and UK that the New Zealand series was not feasible. We had also said previously that the fate of some fixtures could be dependent upon decisions by the travelling team’s government. That is what has happened in this instance – we were taking the recommendation to yesterday’s Board Meeting to postpone the series in any case, however, on the eve of the meeting New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contacted us to inform us that they could not travel.”

The CI board, upon obtaining Government roadmaps across the Republic and Northern Ireland, have also drafter a Safe Return to Cricket Policy, which will be submitted back to the respective governments for approval, in an attempt to open the club and grassroots game up to the public again.

“We understand the desire for getting back on the cricket pitch and rest assured we are working hard to ensure this can happen,” Deutrom continued.

“Like pretty much every cricketer and family involved in cricket though, we want to see the sport resume at the earliest – however, it needs to occur in a managed way that prioritises the health and safety of the cricket community.”

Cancelled in 2019, the Euro T20 slam was another point of order at the meeting, though a ‘definitive’ decision on the competition will be made at a board meeting in June.

Cricket Ireland’s AGM will be held on July 14.

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