COVID-19: Update on club activity

In these uncertain times, the wellbeing of our Members, supporters, staff, players, partners and the wider community is paramount. With this is in mind, we continue to monitor the advice of the government and public health bodies closely. This - as well as a constant dialogue with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) – is at the centre of our decision making regards the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  

We know that Sussex Cricket plays a big part in many people’s lives in a variety of ways, so we want to keep people informed of developments relating to the current situation. As such, we have provided the latest information on our activities below.

It goes without saying that discussions over the coming hours and days have the potential to change things further. Any updates to the below and details of any further impact to the club’s activities will be communicated via the Sussex Cricket website.

The 1st Central County Ground – the majority of the site remains operational, but we have advised our staff to work from home wherever possible. Reception is manned, but not open to the public. Any queries can be directed via telephone (01273 827100) or email (info@sussexcricket.co.uk). As notified last week, the Aerotron Indoor School is closed until Saturday 4th April at the earliest.

Fixtures – after discussions between both counties, the pre-season friendly between Sussex and Hampshire scheduled to take place at The 1st Central County Ground next Thursday and Friday (26th & 27th March) has been cancelled. The ECB Board have also agreed that no professional cricket will be played in England and Wales until at least May 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved the recommendation to delay the start of the season following discussions with the First Class Counties, the MCC and the PCA. For more information on the delay, click here. 

Annual General Meeting ­– the Board of Sussex Cricket Ltd. have taken the decision to postpone the AGM scheduled for Tuesday 31st March at The 1st Central County Ground. Full details are available here.

Other events – the Monthly Lunch on Wednesday 25th March and the Curry & Quiz Night on Thursday 26th March have been postponed. If you have any queries regarding future events, please telephone 01273 827100 and choose option seven or email your existing contact in our conference and events team.

Pathway programme – the closure of the Aerotron Indoor School and government advice has led to the decision to suspend all activity in both our boys’ and girls’ pathway programmes until further notice.   

Sussex Cricket Foundation – based on government advice and following discussions with the ECB, Chance to Shine and Lord’s Taverners, we have taken the decision to suspend all delivery activities of the Sussex Cricket Foundation. Full details are available here.

Recreational cricket - In line with government advice regarding social distancing, the ECB has recommended that all forms of recreational cricket (including training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity) are suspended. This is a recommendation fully supported by Sussex Cricket. The full statement from the ECB is available here.

Sussex Cricket encourages everyone connected to the club to continue to heed the latest official advice concerning COVID-19, which is available here.

These are difficult times for everybody, and our staff remain on hand to help with anything they can. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch in the usual manner if you need to.