Following yesterday’s Committee meeting I would like to confirm with you all that cricket is still waiting for formal advice from the ECB to give us guidance as to the way forward in terms of procedure for facilities and numbers of people at any one venue (plus a lot more do’s and dont’s).  Once these are in place we will share them with you as soon as we are able.

Currently we are aware, that given the guidelines set out in the government roadmap we should be able to commence the league programme as planned, but we can’t say more than that at present.

Geoff Eveling   Chairman – Two Counties Championship.

There seem to be some confusion.

As we understand the rules at present, you cannot currently enter the UK if you’ve been in or through a country on the banned travel list (sometimes known as the ‘red list’) in the last 10 days, unless you’re British, Irish or you have the right to live in the UK.  This ‘red list’ includes countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and some West Indian islands.  We have heard nothing from the government or the ECB on any possible relaxation of these rules.  The link below explains the current position as we see it:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/transport-measures-to-protect-the-uk-from-variant-strains-of-covid-19

Travellers from Australia and New Zealand are not on the ‘red list’ at present but both have very strict rules in place to prevent/restrict overseas travel from their countries.

Following discussions in the Adult Participation Group last night, we can report that there is much optimism that Two Counties Championship cricket will start on Saturday April 17^th with a full fixture list as published.

Of course there will be restrictions in place, initially similar to last season (perhaps for several weeks after the start of the season) but the planned ECB Roadmap with full details of these plans should be published next week (nothing more specific than that has been indicated)  and we will then be an a position to update clubs further on what and for how long these restrictions will be in place.

At the MSC meeting last Monday the following was decided:

The MSC wishes to thank clubs for their input to the surveys sent out over the winter.

There will now be a 12pm start in all Division 1 matches as a result of clear support.   All other suggested rule changes were not conclusive and none will be adopted for the 2021 season.

The matter of power plays did receive clear support but the MSC are awaiting the conclusion of ongoing discussions before a decision on this can be taken.  If discussions do reach a satisfactory conclusion then this rule will also be adopted for the 2021 season – possibly on a trial basis for the first season.

A decision on a different ball for use in Division 1 matches will be taken at the end of the season when an objective assessment will be taken on the analysis of 3 other possible contenders.  These will be trialled during some Division 1 matches next season.

On the matter of the provision of teas, earlier start times and 80 over matches in lower divisions there was a lot of support but the MSC do not deem it sufficient for change. Clubs are reminded that it is within Championship rules to alter any of these by mutual agreement between clubs on a match by match basis.

In all other matters the status quo remains.

So it is looking promising for a start on time for the season 2021 …….

Most will have seen the press releases and the announcements yesterday but at the moment we do not know for sure what the playing conditions will be with regard to travel, changing and bar facilities or catering so could all please be patient for a few days until the ECB are able to clarify the exact position.

We will of course post details as soon as they are available.

The 2021 fixtures have now been published in Play-Cricket.

The fixture pages are correct as at the time of publishing this item. A number of changes have been made since they were first posted a couple of months ago, so every club should just check how they have been affected. Further changes may still be made before we actually announce the final list as final, and publish them all in Play Cricket.
There are still a few re-arrangements that are required, but these are clearly marked. Only the Ladies fixtures for 2021 have not been completed, fixtures for the season which have been confirmed are now listed on the Fixture pages.

We are now also awaiting guidance from the Government and the ECB with regard to resumption dates. In the meantime the Management Sub-Committee will be drawing up contingency plans in the event that a “full” season in inachieveable.

Clubs are reminded that the deadline for applications for 2021 for overseas players and player/coaches is the 16th February and currently the MSC have no outstanding applications on file  ……

It is worth noting at this stage that most successful applicants will be required to quarantine in a specified hotel on arrival in the UK at a cost of £1800.

The file of merging the data from the EAPL2 Player Survey and the MSC Club Survey relating to Division 1 clubs. It is in the interest of ALL clubs to take note.

MergedSurveyComplete 01-02-21

A decision on Power Plays will be made by the Management Sub Committee after consultation between them and the Umpires Association and (if agreement has been reached following this consultation) with 1st Division clubs.

In view of the convincing results in both the EAPL2 Player Survey and the MSC Club Survey it seems likely that start times for Division 1 will be moved to 12pm from the start of the 2021 season. A decision on this will be finalised at the MSC meeting later in February. On the question of a different ball for use in Division 1 it was agreed that the MSC will assess other balls in trials over season 2021 in some 1st Division matches to provide proper objective assessment on which a decision will be made for season 2022.

The decision on any other proposed changes will be made by the Management Sub Committee after any necessary further consultation between the MSC, the clubs and (where appropriate) the Umpires Association.

Rick Jones

To view all the latest Overseas Player information, then either click the link under More on the Home Page, or click the link below

Overseas Player Info

The deadline for returns to the Suggested Rule changes has expired but I intend to allow an extension until next Friday 15th January to allow for a few more replies. There has been some confusion with 2 different versions. The document can be found on the website and the correct version is attached to the email that is sent to all clubs Clubs are reminded that the status quo will be assumed if clubs have not responded by the new deadline.

There is a need for clarification as there has been some duplication.

All First Division clubs will by now have received an email sent from the MSC as a result of an initiative from the various County Boards associated with the EAPL pyramid, asking all players to give their views on the possibility of a Second Division of the EAPL. The MSC feel that all clubs should be made aware of this initiative and not just First Division clubs. The data will be analysed by the County Boards and the results sent to the MSC for appropriate action.

However in the attached file are suggested rule changes received from clubs before the AGM that the MSC have considered. Our views are outlined and where requested we would like the views of your club (not individual responses) by email to:

Rick Jones rickjones01473@gmail.com– by Thursday 31st December please.

If we have heard nothing by that date then it will be assumed that you agree with the status quo. The MSC will then analyse, adjudicate and notify any rule changes to be applied.

Rick Jones, Assistant Secretary

RuleChangeSuggestion2020