The Western Province Cricket Association have confirmed the 2020-21 club cricket season will only start next year.
The season traditionally starts in late September or early October, but will be delayed amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 2019-20 season ended early for the same reason.
“Our cricket and return to play is inextricably linked to the guidance from our government, our mother body Cricket South Africa and the City of Cape Town, which provide us with funding for almost all our amateur structures,” read an excerpt from WPCA president Nic Kock’s memo this week.
“Cricket South Africa is in constant communication with the relevant government departments
and it is now officially confirmed that no cricket training or play may take place at any amateur level until further notice.
“The return to training for non-contact sport, and specifically cricket, is only for the professional and franchise teams. All other cricket will be considered in CSA follow-up proposals to the sports ministry.
“Return to play for club cricket is envisaged from January 2021 and pre-season in November 2020. This is all pending the government alert levels and how cricket is considered within these levels.
“At this point, certain decisions have been made. No schools and amateur cricket until at least January 2021. This is further linked to the fact that no funding will be received from CSA for clubs/amateur cricket until January 2021. Hence, no budgets exist for these fixtures’ commencement.
“As we reach the commencement of our season (October 2020), our cricket committee, with input
from our clubs, will consider if alternatives exist, if allowed. But right now that may be premature.”
Promoted and relegated teams ‘finalised and ratified’
The WPCA, meanwhile, have formally confirmed which clubs have been promoted and relegated on the back of the shortened 2019-20 season. The winner of the 2019-20 WPCA premier league, though, remains in the balance.
“The Durbanville Cricket Club matter remains with CSA. We await further communication with regards to the matter and therefore we cannot sign off on the premier league winners,” continued Kock.
“All log queries have been dealt with and we are happy to sign off on those log positions. Since the log positions for the 2019-20 season have been finalised and ratified at the members council, we
would like to congratulate all the winners on their respective achievements.”