Update: May 25: We’ve had several reports of people playing cricket in the street and on tennis courts. We appreciate members are missing playing cricket and that as the weather improves they want to be outdoors and playing. However government direction is that no team sports are permitted, and playing fields, hard surface playgrounds and basketball courts remain closed apart from tennis. We understand that it is possible that the people in the groups playing are all in the same household but none the less we must insist that only individual training take place. Any bad publicity associated with cricket will impact the reputation of the organization, and our ability to request a speedy return to play. The organization and members must demonstrate a responsible approach. Thus any member who does ignore government direction will be liable to disciplinary action that may involve suspension from Cricket NL activities when they resume. 

May 15: Cricket NL is working closely with Sport NL on plans to return to play, based on government and public health direction. The province is now at Alert Level 4, which means that we cannot use the nets, or RCAF field, or engage in any form of team practice. Members are encouraged to work on individual fitness and skills, but to fully respect the guidelines and protocols put in place by the Provincial Government. To be clear, this means no informal group cricket games or practice. Note that all hard surface areas in parks, such as basketball courts remain closed- this means no cricket in Kelly’s Brook.

For us to resume play, we need to have our return to play plan approved by the authorities, and for our practice and playing facilities to be open for use. We have a draft plan in the process of review.

The earliest we can start practice and play will be in mid-June; that is dependent on government permission and approval of our plan, and the province moving to Alert Level 3. It is considered that this is optimistic, and actual start of play may be later.

Of note, one component of any return to play plan will be restrictions on the sharing of equipment. We strongly encourage all players who plan to participate in the Summer League to purchase their own protective equipment, in particular helmets and batting gloves. Teams may wish to make a group purchase to save on shipping costs.

We have put a Summer League committee in place, chaired by Hassan Ghafoor, and we anticipate all clubs will return this year if we are able to have a competitive season. Any club that may not return, or any prospective new club should contact us immediately at cricketnewfoundland@gmail.com.