No cricket matches in Scotland before August

In a statement, the national governing body stated the start of domestic cricket activity in Scotland is being put back to July 1, from the current date of June 1, meaning there will be no matches until August at least.

As a consequence of the further delay to the start of the season, Cricket Scotland also announced, with the agreement of the regional associations, that no league cricket or national cup competitions in Scotland will take place this season.

The regional associations will announce separately their intentions regarding regional cup competitions.

In the hope that additional cricket matches can take place in August, Cricket Scotland and the regional associations, in consultation with the clubs, will aim to create other friendly and, potentially, competitive fixture structures (most likely concentrating on the T20 format) in August and possibly September, depending on player, official and ground availability.

Gus Mackay, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said: “We very much understand that those involved in the game will be disappointed that there will be no league cricket this year and the decision has been made with a heavy heart.

“However, in all the circumstances, we believe this decision brings the necessary clarity for the game in Scotland while seeking to provide, when we can, some form of cricket in 2020, working within the Scottish Government’s guidelines.

“These plans are subject to review as further information and guidance becomes available. Further announcements will be made as appropriate.”

Cricket Scotland expects to make announcements in the next two weeks about the international matches currently scheduled in June and July 2020 against New Zealand, Australia, Nepal and Namibia.