This week’s bulletin contains information an the ECB’s response to the Government Announcement, International Women’s Day and EWCT Loans.

Government Announcement – FAQs

We have been pleased with the recent Government announcements highlighting a return to cricket in England from the 29th March. We continue to work closely with DCMS and UK Government to ensure cricket plays it’s part in ensuring the safe opening up of society and that we continue to be highly respected thanks to the efforts of club volunteers up and down the country.  As we finalise our guidance which will be shared with you all shortly we understand that some of you have asked questions on what activity is permissible at the moment.

Q. Can I deliver 1:1 coaching sessions?

A. Not at this time. Sports venues (including cricket facilities) must remain closed as instructed by the government until at least 29/3/21 (subject to review) and you may currently only exercise in a public outdoor space with one other person.  ECB is clear that the definition of exercise in a public space is not intended to include cricket activity. See the latest Government guidance.

Q. Can I meet with other club committee members to get the ground ready for the start of the season?

A.  Not at this time. ‘Stay at Home where possible’ is still in force, so grounds maintenance should be limited to essential preparation tasks with essential staff only.  Large working parties are not appropriate at this stage.  Clubs should risk assess any lifting or lone working that would be an health and safety risk, and delay that until Step 1b (29/3/21) when the Rule of Six will apply and ‘Stay at Home’ will be replaced with ‘Stay Local’, then sub-grouped (max 6) working parties would be more appropriate.  For more information please see the latest Sport England Guidance.

Q. What does this mean for Cricket in Wales?

A. We continue to work closely with Sport Wales to ensure cricket can return as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding in keeping people safe this summer

Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket

Cindy Butts has been appointed chair of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, which will examine issues relating to race and equity in the game.

As Chair, Ms Butts will work with the ECB Board to finalise the terms of reference for the Commission. She will lead the process to appoint a number of independent Commissioners who will bring further diversity of thought, background and experience to the Commission, providing constructive input and challenge to the ECB and the wider game.

The full announcement can be seen here

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is 8th March, and this year’s theme is #ChoosetoChallenge.

The #IWD website explains… “A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.”

Below is a guide that explains how the ECB is celebrating #IWD2021 and how you might like to get involved, celebrating women who work or volunteer in your County, local communities or clubs.

IWD Guidance

EWCT Loans

EWCT’s Trustees have approved an extension of the suspension of quarterly loan repayments for both the Interest Free Loan Scheme and the Emergency Loan Scheme until November 2021. If you have an EWCT loan, a communication will be sent to your Club or League. Please do not cancel any Direct Debit payments.