USA Cricket cancels 2020 National Championships for men, women and youth

USA Cricket Women's team at Arbroath, Sept 5 2019 (Photo: ICC)

Citing the worsening Covid-19 pandemic and related concerns around travel and extended lodging, USA Cricket announced on Friday the postponement of the 2020 National Championships at all levels.

The decision came after consulting medical professionals and leaving “no stone unturned” in attempting to fit the events into this calendar year, according to USA Cricket CEO Iain Higgins. Plans continue to go through with three of five remaining Men’s and Youth Zonal Trials in the coming weeks, with postponed trials in New York State and Los Angeles awaiting changes to local COVID-19 restrictions.

COVID-19 infections struck twice during USA Cricket’s Minor League Cricket exhibition season, with the first positive case coming from a member of the DC Hawks after traveling to Pennsylvania for the first weekend of games. Two weeks later, a member of the New Jersey Stallions coaching staff tested positive for the virus. With both incidents coming in the Eastern Conference, only two of six conference teams completed six games, with DC restricted to only two.

To conclude the announcement, Richard Done encouraged aspiring American cricketers to register with USA Cricket to ensure that players are kept abreast of all coming opportunities: “I would also like to reassure any players who feel they may have missed out on an opportunity in 2020 for whatever reason to fully demonstrate their skill and ability, that they should not be disheartened and that further and new opportunities will be established in early 2021 to get involved. The best way to ensure that players do not miss out is to ensure you are registered with us.”

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