The start of the 2020-21 Western Province Cricket Association club cricket season will be delayed, but perhaps not as late as January.
In July, the WPCA stated the season would only start next year, as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The season traditionally starts in late September or early October.
Earlier this month, though, the WPCA revealed plans for a December start – “subject to the South African government’s coronavirus alert levels, approval by the country’s sports ministry and other necessary protocols.”
This week, South Africa moved to alert level one, which has prompted updated communication from the WPCA.
“The country has moved to level one of the lockdown and we note that the sports ministry is in the process of providing details around the conditions that will govern the stated level of lockdown – and trust that the gazette for sport will share more light on what will be permitted,” said acting WPCA president Ashraf Burns in Saturday’s memo sent to all relevant clubs.
“Clubs will, in due course, be informed about ‘return to play and train’ details – for amateur-related activities during lockdown level one, once Cricket South Africa have perused the gazette and provided further direction.
“WPCA is excited at the prospects of the resumption of cricket.”
Burns has held the interim role since the resignation of former WPCA president Nicolas Kock in early August 2020.