With COVID-19 concerns still ongoing, the Western Province Cricket Association’s (WPCA) Board of Directors has resolved to adopt the club cricket committee’s recommendation to cancel the 2020-21 season.
According to a memo from WPCA President Ashraf Burns to affiliates on 26 January, the resolution is set to be ratified at a members’ council meeting on 8 February, and clubs are required to give their feedback on 1 February.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 31: Cape town Cricket club wicketkeeper Kyle Verreyenne stumps Andrew haunt of St Augustine during the WPCA Premier League A match between St Augustine CC and Cape Town CC at Elfindale on October 31, 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Peter Heeger/Gallo Images)
The start of the WPCA season was initially postponed to 16 January 2021 (as outlined in the most recent issue of Cape At 6 magazine), and then to early February – to attempt to mitigate the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“The WPCA Club Cricket Committee considered the advantages and disadvantages of attempting to play a curtailed amateur cricket season during the present COVID-19 pandemic, including public health considerations and the welfare of participants,” the resolution reads.
“The WPCA club cricket committee recommend to the WPCA board that the 2020-21 cricket season in respect of all amateur cricket under the jurisdiction, authority and control of WPCA is cancelled.”
No official club, school, youth or other amateur leagues or competitions will be organised, authorised or approved by the WPCA up to the end of the 2020-21 season. Training and practices may continue subject to the adherence by members and participants to all legal restrictions and COVID-19 protocols.
“We are cognisant that this is not an ideal outcome in growing the game within our jurisdiction, but no doubt the right one considering the prevailing pandemic and the prediction of a third and fourth wave,” stated WPCA President Ashraf Burns.
Clubs can provide feedback on the matter, if any, on an official club letterhead by no later than 1 February 2021. A final decision on the cancellation will be made at the WPCA members’ council meeting on 8 February 2021.
In the meantime, WPCA is encouraging members and supporters to stay safe and observe COVID-19 protocols, and remember those lost during this challenging time.
“On behalf of the WPCA board and staff, we wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We also remember all those infected with the virus and wish them comfort and a speedy recovery.”
