Here is a note from Cricket Scotland providing their most up to date guidance for the return of cricket activity in Scotland.

“Following the announcement on 18th June by the Scottish Government that we are moving in stages to Phase 2 of the route map, cricket clubs will be able to use outdoor cricket facilities (nets and pitches) for the purpose of undertaking exercise and training from 29th June.  We have submitted our final guidance document to sportscotland and expect this to be approved in the next 24 hours.  We appreciate that some clubs will be keen to return to activity on the 29th and therefore to ensure appropriate time for preparation and planning, we have launched a new website page with guidance and resources for clubs HERE. (Link also below.)  Please also find attached a .pdf of the ’10 key requirements’ for a safe return to cricket based on Scottish Government guidance.  As you know this is a fluid situation and guidance is constantly being modified, therefore we will endeavour to update you in a timely manner.”

COVID-19 Return to cricket

Return to cricket guidance – 10 key requirements

Please see below a communication sent to all clubs earlier today.

“This is just a reminder that as per the guidance from Cricket Scotland guidance there should be no cricket activity until at least the 1st of July.  I do so as there have been some reports of recreational cricket activity happening in some public parks.  As a reminder Cricket Scotland has submitted plans to the Scottish Government for approval for the return to training at elite and club level in anticipation that cricket will form part of the Scottish Government’s Phase 2 plan to allow players and coaches to return to training. It is hoped that those plans will be approved shortly before Phase 2 commences.

“Any approval and potential return to cricket activity announced by the Scottish Government around the 18th of June (Phase 2) would only take effect from the 1st of July so at present there is no cricket activity permitted.

“I will keep you updated with all progress with this matter.

“Look out for new posts as the information unfolds!”

Iain Kennedy, WDCU Administrator

Please find below a link to an article on the Cricket Scotland website regarding the voluntary work of Ferguslie CC Youth Convenor Sam Scott. (Real name Alistair John Scott!).  It is deserved recognition for a man affectionally known as “Saggy” for a long period of sterling service to the game of cricket not only at Ferguslie but with the Scottish national age group teams. Have a read.

Sam Scott

Please see below a note dent to clubs on 5-06 from the WDCU Administrator.

Just a short update from me.  Firstly thanks to all the clubs that have sent in a list of players to be deactivated from PlayerReg.  By so doing I have been asked to de-register over 350 players leaving us with just over 2,500 registered players. I am sure there are more to be done so please if you haven’t done so send me in your list when you can.

On a similar vein a number of you have gone through the list I sent you of poor quality photographs on PlayerReg and have now submitted much improved ones.  There are still a good number needing updated so if you could give that a nudge that would be great.

We are all looking forward to potentially having some cricket activity and work is ongoing between Cricket Scotland and sportscotland on guidance as to what this may look like starting July the 1st.  Once the guidance has been agreed it will be distributed to regions and clubs and plans can be made.  Hopefully this should happen fairly soon.

Finally if you haven’t done so please keep on the look out for COVID-19 support funding. I know a lot of you have done this and I am aware that a healthy number of grants have been made to clubs in the west.

I will be back in touch as soon as I can.

Iain Kennedy, WDCU Administrator

Please see below the link to the most recent COVID-19 update from Cricket Scotland.  Please continue to stay safe and well.

Cricket Scotland update on cricket activity, 28 May 2020

Cricket Scotland would like to confirm that the recent announcement made by the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding a return to outdoor cricket activity only applies to clubs in England.

Cricket activity within Scotland remains on hold until at least the 1st of July, as announced by Cricket Scotland on 13 May 2020.

Full article: Cricket Scotland reiterates current guidance for Scottish cricket clubs

Motherwell CC has announced that the club will not participate in any cricket activity this season.  This is due to the continuing situation regarding COVID-19 and the fact that there will be no league or cup cricket delivered this year.  This decision was made as the club consider that the safety and wellbeing of their players is their main priority.

Following the Cricket Scotland Board meeting on Tuesday the 12th of May and an earlier meeting with the regional cricket associations Cricket Scotland has made another announcement for cricket activity in 2020.  The WDCU will provide further updates as appropriate.

Cricket Scotland update on cricket activity, May 2020

At a recent online “meeting”, the WDCU Executive Committee discussed the impact on club finances and ground maintenance and upkeep arising from the current situation.  It was agreed that it would be very helpful to get some updated information from all our clubs to assist us in discussions with Cricket Scotland and other agencies.

The request for  information was sent to clubs on Thursday the 7th of May and there have been nine replies so far.  Could all clubs please respond by Wednesday the 13th of May if at all possible.  Your help with this is greatly appreciated.

Iain Kennedy, WDCU Administrator

Please see below the link to the ECB announcement and update on cricket activity as of 24 April 2020, for your interest.

ECB COVID-19 update, 24 April 2020