Coronavirus: Recreational cricket suspended indefinitely across England and Wales

England and Wales Cricket Board calls for the amateur game to be suspended across all forms

The England and Wales Cricket Board has called for all forms of the recreational game to be suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Following the government’s advice that all mass gatherings should be avoided as the United Kingdom goes into a period of social distancing, the ECB moved to suspend recreational cricket across the board, meaning one of the last available sports for the public in Britain will no longer go ahead until further notice.

A meeting on Thursday will be held to discuss the professional side of the game, as the ECB does not have to be rushed into a decision given the season doesn't get underway until 19 April.

But following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday that mass gatherings - and in particular sporting events - should not go ahead, the ECB updated their stance on the amateur game.

"Following the Government's latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended," an ECB statement said.

"This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

"Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation's mental and physical well-being, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities - particularly at junior levels.

"Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.

"It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with the Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making."