Apex governing body of cricket in Ireland held a virtual board meeting to discuss and review upcoming endeavors. The board has also had a discussion on safe return of action on the field.
Cricket Ireland after the board meeting announced that it has deferred the home series against New Zealand and Pakistan while the discussion on the ODI series against will be kept for active discussion. The board members believe that England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will reschedule their series slated for July.
Global restrictions enforced the postponement
Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland said that the imposed restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic led us to postpone the series.
“….we had also said previously that the fate of some fixtures could be dependent upon decisions by the travelling team’s government. That is what has happened in this instance – we were taking the recommendation to yesterday’s Board Meeting to postpone the series in any case, however, on the eve of the meeting New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contacted us to inform us that they could not travel,” said Cricket Ireland CEO.
He also added that though it is disappointing for the fans in Northern Ireland, who were looking forward to the visit of the World Cup runners-up, given the circumstances it is entirely understandable NZC was left with no choice but to stay at home.
NZC is optimistic towards rescheduling the series
Meanwhile, New Zealand cricket said that it feels for Cricket Ireland whose season has been so badly disrupted and added that it is looking forward to reschedule the postponed fixture.
“I know our players, support staff and BLACKCAPS fans were very much looking forward to the upcoming visit and are disappointed this decision needed to be taken. Hopefully, in brighter and less dangerous times, we can return and play the games that have been postponed,” said NZC CEO David White.
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