Following a consultation process with the member clubs of the Northern Cricket Union, it has been unanimously agreed that there is a need to postpone the start of the 2024 season. The unprecedented move has come about because record levels of sustained rainfall over the past few months have left clubs unable to carry out any of the required work on their squares or outfields in the lead-up to the new season. There also appears to be no let-up in the weather with more rain forecast for the next 10 days.
Domestic Director Alan Waite commented “Whilst we are extremely limited in the action we can take due to the packed nature of the season schedule, it is clear that grounds across the NCU will not be in a state of readiness for games to take place as scheduled on the weekend of 27 April 2024. Even if the weather were to improve in the next two weeks, it is felt that attempting to carry out the required work on grounds has the potential to cause longer-term damage which may impact the rest of the season. Following engagement with the clubs during the past week, we have decided to delay the start of the season by one week until 4 May 2024. Clubs will work to rearrange the games scheduled for the first week at a suitable date before the end of June 2024. This will apply to all games scheduled for the first week.”
The actual emergency ruling approved by the NCU Board is as follows:
All matches scheduled for the first week of the season, up to and including Friday 3 May 2024, have been postponed. Clubs are asked to work with their opponents to identify a suitable date before the end of June 2024 for the matches to be played. The rearranged match will count as a ‘Match 1’ and all relevant rules shall apply. The home team should inform the appropriate league secretary of the rearranged date on or before Friday 10 May 2024. Should the clubs concerned not be able to agree on a date, or if they have not informed the league secretary by that date, the match shall take place on Sunday 26 May 2024 or as a two-night match (Tuesday and Wednesday) the following week should one of the clubs have previously advised the NCU that they do not play on Sundays in line with the NCU rules.