Cricket clubs to start training by middle of April with restrictions set to ease

Cricket clubs in Northern Ireland are to be given the green light to start practice sessions by mid-April.
By Alistair Bushe
Published 16th Mar 2021, 11:12 BST
Updated 16th Mar 2021, 12:23 BST
Cricket training at Wallace Park, Lisburn last summerCricket training at Wallace Park, Lisburn last summer
Cricket training at Wallace Park, Lisburn last summer

The Stormont Executive is set to confirm later today that clubs will be able to resume training sessions for groups of up to 15 people by Monday, April 12.

The move will allow clubs in the NCU and North West to begin their preparations for the new season, which is due to start at the end of April.

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However, it looks unlikely that the season will be able to start as scheduled.

It would be more realistic for the season to begin in mid-May if the trend of vaccinations and falling case numbers continues in Northern Ireland

It is understood that pavilions and clubhouses will also remain closed even when the restrictions are lifted on April 12.

Grassroots sport here has been curtailed for much of the winter, with no training permitted since the latest lockdown came into force after Christmas.

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The participation of overseas professionals in the 2021 season also remains uncertain.

A number of clubs are still determined to bring in overseas players though restrictions on travel remain in light of Covid-19, and people arriving in the UK will likely still be subject to strict quarantine arrangements even when travel bans are lifted.

Almost all clubs abandoned attempts to bring in overseas players in 2020.

Related topics:Northern IrelandStormont Executive