Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League abandons 2020 season because of coronavirus

Organisers of a cricket league featuring numerous teams from West Norfolk have announced they are abandoning their entire 2020 season.

Officials from the Mid-Norfolk Sunday League say they do not feel it is safe or viable to organise fixtures because of the ongoing risk from coronavirus.

League chairman Colin King said in a statement: "In the light of the fact that there are currently well over 1,000 new COVID 19 cases each day in the UK, the League Committee has decided that we must withdraw from organising any fixtures this season, 2020.

"The pandemic is far from over and we feel that we do not want to be the organisation that puts players and their families at risk.

"Therefore, we will not be organising any matches until next season, 2021.

"Whilst we wish to see cricket played safely just as soon as possible, we feel this is the time for cool heads to rule over passionate hearts."

The announcement follows criticism of the government over its reluctance to allow recreational cricket to resume.

Although England are due to begin a three-match Test series with the West Indies on July 8, playing in bio-secure environments at the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared to suggest the cricket ball could help spread the infection when he announced an easing of lockdown measures earlier this week.

A number of England internationals have voiced their fears for the future of the game if grassroots play cannot resume quickly.