Following coordination with the four city councils, Cricket Wellington is pleased to confirm the official start dates for the 2020-2021 Wellington club summer of cricket.
Club cricket will return to the Capital on Saturday October 17 when the Men’s Premier Division 1 and 2 competitions get underway.
The Premier Men’s Division 3 and 4 competitions, as well as all Premier Women’s cricket will return three weeks later, on Saturday November 7.
All junior cricket competitions and all other senior cricket will start on Saturday November 14.
The delay of the winter sports season due to the COVID-19 interruption will mean the Men’s Premier Division 1 and 2 competitions will start on artificial wickets, with the plan to return to grass wickets on October 31.
Cricket Wellington General Manager Liz Green said she was delighted to be able to welcome participants back to cricket, with no significant delay post COVID-19.
“It’s always an exciting time when we get to mark the cricket dates in the calendar for our club season,” she said.
“This winter has been especially challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re really pleased to be able to start our season with no significant delays off the back of the delay of the winter sport season.
‘’Facilities and infrastructure have obviously been the main issue when finalising these dates, and the delay in the winter sports programme means artificial wickets will likely be required at the start of the season.
“However, we will be working closely with the four councils to return to grass pitches as soon as is possible and we acknowledge their continued support to help us to do so.”
Season playing dates, as well as Christmas and New Year break dates are outlined for all cricket divisions below:
Season start dates:
Premier Men Division 1 and 2 - October 17, 2020*
Premier Men Division 3 and 4 - November 7, 2020
Women's cricket – November 7, 2020
All other Senior Cricket – November 14, 2020
Junior Cricket – November 14, 2020
*Division 1 & 2 will start on artificial wickets, moving to grass on the 31st October pending preparation
Final playing day before Christmas - December 19, 2020
The season will restart in 2021 on the following dates:
Premier Grade – January 9, 2021
Premier Reserve Grade – January 9, 2021
All other Senior Grades – January 16, 2021
Junior Grades – January 23, 2021
Article added: Tuesday 30 June 2020
