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London, July 4 (IANS) The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that that the UK government has given it's nod for recreational cricket to return in England from July 11.
"The latest update from the UK government signals progression from Step 3 to Step 4 of ECB's roadmap to return for the recreational game, meaning competitive cricket matches in England with adjustments to respect hygiene and social distancing would be permitted," ECB said in a statement.
The board further said that guidelines are already prepared for the return of recreational cricket and following Prime Minister Boris Johnson comments, they would now be finalised and published early next week.
"It will come as great news to our nation of recreational cricketers that the UK government has given the green light for the game to return from next weekend," ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said.
"We have had a responsibility throughout this period of time to work with the UK government and to plan alongside the cricket network to try and mitigate COVID-19's impact on the 2020 season. We have maintained a constant dialogue with UK government and they've been supportive of our desire to see recreational cricket return when it is safe.
"They now agree that with appropriate measures in place to mitigate the risk, it is safe.
"As the nation's summer sport we believe we have a role to play in getting people active across the country, especially young people, and it is heartening to know that club cricket ? albeit with social distancing in place and some other adaptations ? will soon be back across England," he added.
International cricket is set to return in the country with England taking on West Indies in a three-match Test series starting July 8 at the Ageas Bowl.
Following the conclusion of West Indies series, England will lock horns against Pakistan in three Tests and as many T20Is in August and September.
--IANS
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