Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Cricket

Cricket stars worried about their futures and livelihoods while in lockdown over coronavirus pandemic

, Cricket stars worried about their futures and livelihoods while in lockdown over coronavirus pandemic

THE chairman of the players’ union says many cricketers are worried about their futures and livelihoods.

As the ECB effectively shut down the amateur game yesterday for the foreseeable future, Daryl Mitchell expressed the fears of professional players.

, Cricket stars worried about their futures and livelihoods while in lockdown over coronavirus pandemic Read our Coronavirus in Sport live blog for the latest news, updates and cancellations

, Cricket stars worried about their futures and livelihoods while in lockdown over coronavirus pandemic

Chairman of cricket’s players’ union Daryl Mitchell has said cricketers are worried about their livelihoods amid the coronavirus outbreak

And he says the Professional Cricketers’ Association is seeking urgent clarification from the ECB over funding for counties and whether wages can be paid if no cricket is played for several months.

The PCA’s chief welfare officer Ian Thomas has already said he expects a rise in mental health cases along with concerns over addictions such as online gambling because players have more spare time.

And Worcestershire batsman Mitchell, chairman of the PCA since 2017 and a hugely-respected figure, said: “Players are worried, absolutely. Everything is uncertain and uncertainty can bring anxiety.

“The PCA is seeking clarity from the ECB on a number of things and one is contractual security and whether the money from Sky will still reach the counties so wages can be paid.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

, Cricket stars worried about their futures and livelihoods while in lockdown over coronavirus pandemic

“Players have bills to pay. Cricket is no different to any other industry and we take some heart from the Chancellor pledging money to businesses. Cricket clubs are businesses.”

Surrey and Middlesex are the only two counties still practising this week but could call a halt at any time. Batting and bowling in the nets looks a futile exercise with the season potentially delayed for several months.

The ECB have now recommended that all forms of recreational cricket are suspended – including training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity – and are vowing to help clubs hit by the loss of revenue in areas such as subs and bar takings.

Mitchell is part of the Worcestershire squad instructed to stay at home.

He added: “It’s a general precaution rather than anyone showing symptoms. Being in close proximity in a gym or changing-room breaks most of the recommendations on social positioning. We might not be able to re-start for a long while.

“Most cricketers were back in training last November with everything geared towards pre-season and the first match. Our start date was April 12. To have that taken away is quite difficult. It’s a tricky situation not to know what you’re aiming or planning for.

“We’ve been given an isolation programme by our fitness coach. It involves bodyweight circuits, HIIT sessions that we can do at home. I have a bike set up in the garage and can go for a run.

“So we can keep on top of fitness but there’s no cricket-specific stuff. When we do start, bowlers will need time to get overs in their legs. We’ll need some sort of pre-season again.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Worcestershire had problems before the coronavirus with their ground flooded an incredible six times this winter and their opening fixture moved to Kidderminster.

But Mitchell believes it could be the bigger counties who are hit worse.

He explained: “It’s only my opinion, but I think the smaller counties might be more sustainable because the £3m they receive from the ECB is a hell of a big proportion of their turnover.

“Test venues such as Surrey, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Notts and Yorkshire rely heavily on revenue generated from big matches and things other than ECB funding.

“They have bigger grounds, more office staff, higher wage bills and the £3m is not such a large part of their budget.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Xabi Alonso Prefers to Stay at Bayer Leverkusen Liverpool is in search of a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, but reports suggest that...

Premier League

Major Rule Change The Premier League has implemented a significant rule change regarding ball boys and girls after a recent incident involving Coventry manager...

Premier League

Green Light for Ambitious Project Birmingham City FC is on the verge of finalizing a £50 million deal to acquire an abandoned motor circuit...

Premier League

Dynamic Trio of Best Pals Erling Haaland is known for his pranks, and according to Sander Berge, the close friendship between Haaland, Martin Odegaard,...

Premier League

Nuno's Reaction Nuno Espirito Santo revealed his anger and frustration after being informed about Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaking financial rules, which pushed...

Premier League

Arsenal Fans Rally Behind Jailed Journalist Evan Gershkovich, an Arsenal fan and journalist, remains confined in Moscow's Lefortovo Prison on spying charges laid by...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement