ECB Stands Behind the Black Lives Matter Movement

Protests regarding the Black Lives Matters Movement have begun prevalent in nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It follows after an African American Civilian by the name of George Floyd had died after being suffocated by Caucasian Law Enforcement. It initiated violent protests throughout Minneapolis, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and many other metropolises throughout North America. Average civilians aren’t the exclusive party standing behind this movement, with numerous corporations and sporting organizations remarking their thoughts behind racism. This included Formula One, the Premier League, Major League Soccer, the National Football League, and National Basketball Association.

The most recent sporting association to confirm their support behind the Black Lives Matter Movement is the England & Wales Cricket Board. Instagram saw the ECB post a photograph with Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Jos Buttler from the England National Cricket Team. All three individuals stand with different skin tones & show the level of diversity displayed throughout the ECB. It should be mentioned that the United Kingdom supports multiple nationalities & are known for their variety as a collective of countries.

A Proper Reputation

Dedicated supporters behind the England National Cricket Team are surprised by the sentiments issued by the ECB. They’ve previously maintained the reputation employing Caucasian Cricketers, with their 2020 Team supporting one Middle Eastern & one player of African Decent. Under the recent sentiments issued by the ECB, it’s expected that an influx of acquisitions for players with African Decent will be managed. This will assist the ECB with their goal of standing behind the Black Lives Matter Movement.

These punters are named Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer. Both men were seen multiple times stepping down from the “Champagne Celebration” whenever the England Cricket Team would defeat their opponents. It’s the behaviour of this nature that’s slowly being recognized as the systemic racism against civilians of African descent. Another notable fact behind the England National Cricket Team is none of their leading stars throughout history have been black. Racist behaviour won’t be tolerated any longer; rather it’s direct or secretive. Most sporting associations that enacted this behaviour themselves less than two weeks ago are changing their mindsets, including the ECB.

England Cricket Implement COVID-19 Replacements

The test series slated for the West Indies & Pakistan with the England National Cricket Team has been postponed. Regular updates on how these test series will be approached have been issued, with the latest indicating that “Coronavirus Replacements” will be permitted. This means cricketers in England that don’t want to participate, which is valid under the new legislation, will receive temporary replacements during the Test Series. This announcement follows after large delegations with the International Cricket Council and England Wales Cricket Board. It should be noted that this legislation of “Coronavirus Replacements” won’t extend towards the Twenty20 Internationals.

Additional details regarding how these Test Series & Official Events will be approached were also issued, with it being revealed that saliva won’t be permitted to shine cricket balls temporarily. This disgusting habit has traditionally been used in cricket for more than 100+ years, spreading germs at unprecedented rates. During the novel coronavirus pandemic, this cannot be permitted under any circumstances. Those found disobeying these rules will receive an immediate one-game suspension. Breaking the rules, a 2nd time will prompt the full suspension with Test Series or the Twenty20 Internationals. It should be noted that these replacement options apply towards crickets who inquire a concussion during Mid-Series.

The Direction of England’s Cricket Board, Steve Elsworthy, provided insight into their decisions. It was noted that considerations on the replacement tactic took a prolonged period for the International Cricket Council to accept. Agreements regarding additional injuries to subject replacements are still under review. Steve mentioned that their hope is delegations will be completed by July 1st.

Possible Schedule

July 1st initiates a significant delay on the full details on their 2020 ICC Schedule. It was initially expected that their revised schedule would be announced by June 1st, prompting a one-month delay. Their delayed announcement follows in line with the United Kingdom’s confirmation that professional cricket won’t be permitted until July 1st. It’s now suspected that the West Indies Test Series will be the first event to unfold, with the Pakistan Test Series following. Multiple One-Day International Venues will then be permitted across the United Kingdom, allowing for extensive training for notable cricketers before the Twenty20 Internationals.

Alex Hales Possible Return Indicated by Woakes

Supporters behind England’s National Cricket Team have eagerly awaited the return of Alex Hales. This batsman was terminated from the 2019 World Cup in May of last year, which followed after Hales tested positive for drug use. The details of which drugs Alex Hales was administering to himself weren’t revealed. Insiders suggested it could’ve been marijuana, prompting England Cricket supporters to express their backlash against the termination of Hales. Players with this National Team are now supporting the concept of Alex returning as well, with Chris Woakes mentioning that he’d welcome the batsman back with open arms.

Woakes noted that Alex Hales is working towards improving his lifestyle and that everyone struggles during their lives. Returning to the England National Cricket Team became a top priority for Alex after the COVID-19 pandemic became deadly throughout Great Britain. It’s suspected that a reality check was imposed onto Hales, prompting him to return to training and hopefully regain his position.

Professional cricket in Great Britain is slated to return by July 2020, with a maximum of thirty players permitted for each team. All opponents wanting to compete against England will be required to enter the country fourteen days earlier than the imposed match date. During those fourteen days, quarantine measures will be imposed on travelling athletes. Same standards are being enforced onto the thirty players selected when they travel abroad. All sixty crickets, on-site personnel, and coaching staff will be administered a COVID-19 Testing Kit during these venues. Tests will apply when entering & leaving the facility.

Alex Hales Not Accepted by All

It should be mentioned that others in England’s National Cricket Team are willing to accept the return of Alex Hales. Eoin Morgan, the Teams Capitan, remarked that the decision of his batsman was a complete breakdown of unit-wide trust. Morgan won’t be willing to accept the return of Hales, requesting coaching staff to locate another free agent. It should be noted that Eoin Morgan has been found drunk on multiple occasions. Everyone has their respective weakness, and for this Captain to act, impartial showcases a blatant ego. We will inform our readers in Alex Hales is permitted to return to International Professional Cricket.

British Cricketers Resuming Training Next Week

The England & Wales Cricket Board made a surprising announcement this week, with it being revealed that ECB players will be permitted to individual training starting on May 20th. This decision follows after the COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Kingdom slowly begins to be lifted. Players in England, Wales, Scotland, or Ireland will be allowed to have minimal training sessions at supported fields. Physiotherapy physicians and coaching staff are the exclusive individuals permitted around these players. When it applies to secondary teams, those members won’t begin their training until June 1st. That’s because their services aren’t as influential to the national team.

The Director of England Cricket noted that these tentative steps are being reviewed regularly. Any concerns regarding the safety of players against this virus will force training to stop immediately. The ECB also isn’t permitting an official match until July 1st, where England will take on the West Indies in a Test series. Anxieties related to West Indie cricketers caused for their governing association to implement special measures, which allow for their players to remove themselves from this test series. That means there’ll be minimal chances of the July 1st match-up occurring.

It’s known that thirty players registered with the EBC will be provided several weeks for training. These individuals have eleven locations available to them, with three players permitted at each training facility. It’s known that their first training sessions will be on May 18th, with coaching personnel having to abide by social distancing measures. Those practising physiotherapy will be required to wear N95 Masks and Medical Gloves while treating their players. Refusal could prompt an immediate termination of that physiotherapist.

The Guidelines

The UK Government released guidelines for all elite athletes returning to their training. These guidelines noted players must arrive on-scene in their training attire while committing to social distancing. The support staff will take the temperature of players before their allowed to enter & leave the training facility. Players themselves will be required to wear protective face equipment when they aren’t practising, and they won’t be allowed to use locker rook facilities at these sites. These conditions have been implemented for the safety of the ECB community.

Physically Disabled Cricketers Run for Charity

Typically sports outlets reporting on international cricket don’t consider the physically disabled players, the individuals that work towards making a better image for the sport. This was proven again when England’s National Disabled Cricket Team participated in a great marathon that lasted for ten days. Players were inspired to compete in this physical activity to raise charity for Disabled Sports in the Post-COVID Era. They’ve obtained an excess of £1,000.00 British Pounds.

The man behind this marathon is Callum Flynn, a cricketer who became disabled on his 14th birthday. It followed after being diagnosed with Bone Cancer, forcing a Knee Replacement with Titanium Bindings. He coordinated the ten-day marathon and has participated by running five kilometres per day. It should be noted that this physical marathon was maintained indoors via their respective homes. Disabled cricketers ran in their backyards continuously to raise the charitable donations. These men cannot leave their homes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Great Britain, with Boris Johnson taking a firm stance against anybody breaking social distancing protocols. Leaving their homes would see significant fines imposed upon these cricketers.

Members with England’s National Disabled Cricket Team that are deemed high-risk to the novel coronavirus participated as well. This included Matt Skin, who was diagnosed in 2019 with Asthma. He shouldn’t be participating in the same level of physical activity he did before the diagnosis. When questioned by local reporters on how he’s engaging with this marathon, Matt Skin noted that it’s challenging but manageable at a standard pace. Fans behind this Batsman are concerned that his Asthma will now postpone from competing in the 2021 Season.

Low Donations

These men have a targeted goal to reach 260 Miles, with their first three days already completed. They’ve already completed 120+ Miles in their marathon. It should be mentioned that donations have been minimal since Captain Tom Moore, with this older man being 1st to walk for charity. He obtained more than £30 Million in donations and is now being considered for knighthood. Those supporting disabled sports have suggested these men think of another physical activity to participate in at home for increased contributions.

West Indies Crickets Permitted to Cancel Summer Appearance

A shocking announcement was made regarding cricketers with the West Indies. PR Representatives revealed that players would be provided with the opportunity to cancel their appearances with the England Summer Tour. This follows under specialized new conditions created for the Coronavirus Pandemic, with these specific permissions causing concerns for the Wisden Trophy Competition. This isn’t slated to begin until July 8th and will be a closed-door event, but the possibility of losing notable players could prompt the Trophy being lost.

The Cricket West Indies Board and England Cricket Board made a specialized agreement on May 1st. After holding a prolonged delegation through a conference call, which was held between Team Coaches and Captains. With additional members in this conference call including ECB and WIB Administrators. Before they can implement these specialized conditions, both respective governments in Britain and the West Indies will need to approve the COVID-19 regulation.

The Frontrunning Hosts

Two locations are being considered to hold the England Summer Tour, with their involvement permitted because of close proximations to On-Site Hotels. It’d enable each respective athlete to obtain personal quarters, showers, and lavatory facilities. These two locations include the Old Trafford and Ageas Bowl, with the 1st most likely to be selected for its historical attributes. Details surpassing the potential sites haven’t been revealed by the ECB, with confirmation on West Indies Athletes being permitted to cancelled their summer appearance being the most notable news in weeks.

Players with both the West Indies and England Cricket Clubs have publicly expressed their concern about the Summer Series. Some are comfortable with the listed provisions for medical safety, with others claiming it’s not enough. Sources close to the West Indies Club noted that after the 2018 & 2019 Summer Tours in Pakistan, concerns for safety have increased amongst West Indies Cricketers. This marks the 3rd year where their lives are seriously in danger, with a virus being their primary concern instead of war threats. It should be mentioned that athletes with the West Indies have been threatened with kidnapping and extortion while playing in Pakistan. It’ll be interesting to see how many members implement the clause if it’s approved.

British Cricket Postponed Till July 1st

The impact of the CODID-19 pandemic continues to be felt throughout England and the world. The latest news out of England comes on the heels of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announcing that cricket will remain shutdown until July 1st and could stretch beyond that depending on the stem of the virus in Britain. The board will meet on the 29th to determine how it will move forward for The Hundred, which is slated to start on the 17th of July.

Set to have started on the 12th of April, the domestic season was postponed until the 28th of May, but the England and Wales Cricket Board have now stated that will try to reschedule all international cricket matches between July and September. It also postponed the women’s limited-overs series which was slated to take place on the 25th of June against India.

Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB, stated: “As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority – over and above the playing of professional sport – will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole. That’s why simply put, there will be no cricket unless it’s safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if government guidance permits.”

The men’s team was scheduled to compete in three tests against the West Indies on the 4th of June and then head to Ireland, Pakistan and Australia. However, these have also been postponed, as were the women’s, who were to compete in India for two Twenty20 internationals and in July, four one-day internationals.

However, on Thursday after its board meeting, the ECB all limited-overs and domestic first-class cricket will be added to the new schedule.  Cricket West Indies chief executive officer, Johnny Grave,  said its squad only would head to England for the series in the event that its players can be assured they will be safe to do so while stating that they will be as flexible as possible without compromising the teams safety.

Closed Door Matches

There is the possibility said Tom Harrison to the BBC that country and international matches could be held without fans with officials and players staying in a “bio-secure” environment. Harrison added that the England and Wales Cricket Board is beginning to become comfortable with the fact that crowds will not be in attendance and planning of the matches is now focusing on what cricket may look like if that is the end result.

Ireland Flexible with England Cricket Series Scheduling

The Nation of Ireland confirmed their flexibility towards the rescheduling of cricket series with England, which is slated for a one-day event throughout September. This follows after Ireland’s Chief Executive of Cricket, Warren Deutrom, announced the British broadcasting centre. His announcement follows after COVID-19 continues to onslaught Great Britain and Ireland, with the England & Wales Cricket Board mentioning that summer schedules will begin on June 1st. Deutrom also confirmed the June 1st scheduling but believed this wouldn’t be possible within twelve days. The chief executive mentioned that regardless of when the seasons starts, they’ll make sure their availability is prompt and flexible.

Professional matches of Cricket throughout Ireland, Cricket and remaining Wales has been terminated until May 28th. It’s expected that the 1st series for the 2020 Summer will be England Vs West Indies on June 4th. Warren anticipates that this venue will inevitably be postponed, which follows after the England & Wales Cricket Board announced they’d be meeting on April 23rd to discuss rescheduling initiatives. Venues like “The Hundred” will experience their respective postponements as well. This follows after infection rates and death percentages in the United Kingdom haven’t fallen throughout April.
Matches planned for September 10th to 15th between Ireland and England at Trent Bridge won’t be postponed. That’s under the condition that a 2nd wave doesn’t hit the United Kingdom, prompting another increase in infections and deaths. The second wave of COVID-19 would see the Australian and Pakistan Series with England also cancelled.

Formal Statements

The English & Wales Cricket Board provided a formal statement regarding this situation. Sentiments remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic had become a jigsaw puzzle for international cricket series, with this extending towards domestic matches as well. Reps mentioned that realistic approaches must be taken from organizers, which is why regularly meetings are prompted via videoconference. Similar sentiments were mentioned by Warren Deutrom, who believes that flexibility in these unprecedented conditions will enable safer conditions for supporter and athletes. Safety conditions extend towards coaching staff, event organizers and stadium staff. Their health and safety fall under the responsibility of the ECB.

Ben Stokes Competes in Virtual F1

The Formula One Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series saw an unexpected guest on April 5th. Ben Stokes joined the grid lineup, competing for Red Bull – Aston Martin Racing. Notable drivers like Lando Norris, George Russel, Antonio Giovinazzi and Charles Leclerc competed against the Cricket Legend. Stokes couldn’t keep up the pace against these F1 Drivers, ultimately coming in the last place. Charles Leclerc was the dominating force for Ferrari and inquired a podium finish. However, large percentages of viewers tuned in to see the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Those supporters lost a little hope for Ben Stokes when he qualified 16th with a Red Bull Racing car.

The low grid placement follows after Ben Stokes spun out on the 4th lap. It immediately placed him at the back of the grid, with 28 laps available to make up the pace. Stokes, unfortunately, was behind Johnny Herbert, who was a dominating driver in the 1st virtual Grand Prix. This made it nearly impossible for the infamous cricketer to overtake to former F1 Legend. Herbert was placed in 19th after being struck down in the fourth lap.

Charles Leclerc’s Performance

The Ferrari Driver dominated his first virtual Grand Prix while staying home safely in Monaco. There was some drama behind the scenes, with Charles often expressing his anger during practice sessions. This followed after he’d practice for five hours daily, frustrating his girlfriend. She demanded he calm down his tone before the race. That’s why supporters of Charles Leclerc couldn’t hear much from the driver, making sure that his girlfriend and neighbours are happy. He even mentioned that yelling at that volume would’ve upset himself if he heard from another person.

It should be noted that all the vehicles in F1 Esports Grand Prix Series have the same performance levels, ensuring that the skillsets of drivers push them forward. That’s what would’ve made this a challenging experience for Ben Stokes, who was hoping to receive a specialized power boost with his Red Bull. When it applies to the top three drivers of last weekends race, Charles Leclerc came first, and Alex Albon came in second. George Russel jumped on the podium with a third position.

PCA Donates to COVID-19 Relief Aid

The Professional Cricketers Association released an updated statement of the coronavirus situation. It was noted in their press release that contracted players agreed to donate £500,000.00 towards ensuring that Cricket doesn’t enter a financial crisis. This follows after thousands are being lost daily from merchandise sales, limited television broadcasts and cancelled advertiser payments. This means that all associated PCA members will receive a 25% pay cut going forward.

The PCA President revealed last week that £61 Million would be donated in Aid Packages for healthcare professionals and families battling the novel coronavirus. This is the most significant donation made in the Professional Cricketers Association, which is being assisted with the European Cricket Board. Both entities previously confirmed that all British and European-based matches would be terminated until May 28th. It’s expected that this period will be prolonged until July 1st or later.

The European Cricket Board confirmed before their donation that administrative staff would be placed onto the British Reduced Pay Retention Scheme. This includes their executives and president, ensuring that significant funds can be reserved until matches are resumed. It should be noted that athletes worldwide have received cuts to their salaries throughout the last month. This includes players with the La Liga Football Series in Spain. It’s expected that pay cuts will follow for the Premier League as well.

The Meeting

Statements made through the Professional Cricketers Association mentioned that a meeting was held between all PCA Members through Zoom. Delegations were held for a short period before the collective group determined £500,000.00 to be the best valuation for league-wide insurance. This meeting also concluded the donations valuation, with sporting analysts being shocked to learn the PCA and ECB will make the most significant charitable donation of any British-based sports league.

It should be mentioned that these significant donations to charity and insurance policies for the league will cost a 25% reduction in salaries for administrative staff. Coaches and players will receive a 20% reduction in contracted payments. It’s suspected that £300 Million could be saved from these agreements, ensuring that European Cricket will remain active after COVID-19.

Secondary Postponement Possible for 2021

Healthcare Professionals in the scientific community have begun to urge members of the public about a potential relapse of COVID-19. Similar to the Spanish Flu, there’s a chance that this virus could return throughout the 2020-21 Winter Months. It’d prompt the European Cricket Board and Professional Cricket’s Association to postpone their seasons for another prolonged period. This is purely speculation on behalf of sporting analysts receiving medical data from government-employed healthcare professionals.

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