Cricket action in Berbice is set to return on November 21 as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) pushes to end the 2020 season on a high.
This decision was made following the county board’s executive meeting recently. The executive is currently awaiting approval from the relevant authorities as it relates to COVID-19 restrictions.
President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster told Stabroek Sport that a letter was already submitted to Head of Region Six COVID-19 Task Force, Dr. Vishalya Sharma and a response is likely to be received by next week.
According to the BCB, the first tournament to resume will be the Lewison Under-15 semi-finals between Tucber Park and Port Mourant while Albion and Port Mourant will play in the Mike’s Pharmacy under-15 final on the following day (Sunday) at a neutral venue.
Additionally, there will be eight more tournaments as the board will look to compete all semifinals and finals to be played at neutral venues.
“The Banks Beer two-day final and semifinals, the Let’s Bet Sports overall final including the four winners of the four zones, the Upper Corentyne T20 tournament, two under-15 tournaments, NBS 40-overs tournament quarter finals, Elizabeth Styles Under-21 finals and Premium Ashphalt/TR Construction semifinals and final just to name a few, we will look to complete before the end of the year,” Foster stated.
Foster related that most of the regulations will be as directed from the government as it relates to crowds, social distancing and other precautionary measures while on field and dressing room behavior will likely be governed by the new regulations of the International Cricket Council.
“It must be noted very strict COVID guidelines will be put in place because we don’t want anybody to get sick at any of our matches and also we want to protect the health of all our cricketers and players and clubs who break these guidelines face serious punishment including suspension for the year,” the BCB boss indicated.
He added, “consumption of alcohol at all venues will be prohibited, players will have to walk with their own water because we don’t want persons drinking from the same container, umpires will not be holding any gear, teams must practice social distancing and most importantly thing like rubbing saliva on the ball and handshakes, hugs and hi-fives will not be allowed,” he declared.
Foster added, “most of the matches will be played on grounds that have a pavilion and we are waiting on the ministry guidelines to see if we will be allowed spectators in the ground.”
