The Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) domestic season is once again in jeopardy following Government’s decision to prohibit contact and team sports for the next two weeks due to COVID-19.
In an address to the nation earlier Thursday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced new measures which included a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily curfew as well as a hold on some sporting activities. They will take effect from midnight Saturday.
With the first round of cricket matches originally set for Saturday, BCA president Conde Riley told Weekend Sport the season would be postponed.
“We are a team sport and out of an abundance of caution we are checking with Government. If it is for only two weeks then we can push back the season for two weeks based on the request by the Prime Minister,” Riley said.
Last month, BCA initially abandoned the season because of a spike in COVID-19 cases on the island.
However, following talks with Minister of Sports Dwight Sutherland and the Ministry of Health, BCA officials decided to reverse their decision and named September 11 as the start date.
The BCA has planned for three competitions to be played – a 40-over cup competition for elite and first division teams, 40-over shield for intermediate teams and 30-over plate format for second division squads.
COVID-19 monitors will be placed at all cricket matches across the island to ensure protocols and directives are strictly observed. It is expected that clubs and schools will enforce the wearing of masks, sanitising of hands, measurement of temperatures, recording of contact information and observance of physical distancing. (AGB)
