Blackpool CC in good shape but many cricket clubs in danger over summer of uncertainty

The Northern Premier Cricket League and Moore and Smalley Palace Shield seasons should have begun tomorrow, with Blackpool scheduled for a derby visit to Fleetwood, but the game at all levels is on indefinite hold.

A joint-statement by the two leagues last month ruled out all cricket before the end of May, admitting any league action is unlikely to get under way before July.

Blackpool CC chairman David Cresswell felt even that sounded highly optimistic when he spoke to The Gazette ahead of a ‘virtual’ meeting of clubs last night.

Cresswell said: “I don’t think we’ll play any competitive cricket this summer – that’s for next year – but maybe we could organise some short competitions with local teams for the back end of this season, though it will be July or August before we are anywhere near in a position to do that. The league have consulted with clubs and are getting feedback.”

As to the troubling financial implications, Cresswell says the Stanley Park club is in a stronger position than many.

He added: “We are OK financially but it is tight, and money is still going out with none coming in.

“But to be fair, we got a message out to members over their renewals and have had a fantastic response. It’s a big help to the club, so a big ‘thank you’ to members.

“We have furloughed staff and are hopeful of clawing some money back. The ECB has funds available through the Return to Cricket scheme and loans are possible too.

“The ECB have recognised that recreational cricket is in a difficult place. They are making whatever funds they can available and directing us towards other sources of income.

“We are sound financially but I fear for some of smaller clubs, so let’s hope the ECB can help out there.”

The ECB has announced an additional fund of more than £20m for the recreational game, offering grants to clubs and loans with a 12-month repayment holiday. Distribution budgets for the coming year have been brought forward and clubs are also being helped to seek aid through Government grants and other national schemes.

The NPCL and Palace Shield are putting together a package of financial support measures, including the “waiving and/or modifying” of annual fees and subscriptions.

The professional game has been suspended until May 28 at the earliest but Cresswell feels it too faces a severely curtailed season, which may well impact Blackpool.

He added: “I think it’s going to be well beyond May before they can play. There will be some competitions in the professional game this summer but others will be scrapped.

“ The Hundred is quite critial for them, so I think they will put a lot of energy into making sure that goes ahead.

“Our Lancashire game against Worcestershire in the Royal London One-Day Cup is still scheduled for the end of July and we’ve heard nothing to the contrary, but I think that is one of the competitions that could fall by the wayside this year.

“I spoke to Richard Gleeson (Lancashire’s former Blackpool seamer), who is having to train at home but is hoping to play over the summer. All they can do is wait.”

Talking of professionals, Blackpool had been looking forward to welcoming the exciting South African all-rounder Codi Yusuf into their ranks this season.

The pace bowler is fresh from a successful breakthrough season in first-class cricket with Gauteng in his homeland but Cresswell said: “It’s a shame but we have a contract that neither of us can fulfil. He’s in South Africa, so that contract is cancelled.”