WCL AND THE FOOTBALL WORLD CUP

8th June 2010

Following the recent draw for the FIFA World Cup it became apparent that the England Football Team would play at least one fixture on a Saturday evening, with Saturday 12th June being the first of these. We are clearly aware that many Cricketers are also footballers and would want to watch this match. However, given the 7.30pm kick off (BST) it means that any close game going the full distance will over-run this and the players will miss part of the match. Likewise we are aware that a number of clubs have installed TVs specifically for this purpose and that this represents a significant commercial opportunity for many member clubs.

 

As a result of consultation with a number people from a variety of clubs we have decided to give a block exemption to all clubs wishing to start their matches at 1pm instead of the usual 1.30pm. This exemption comes with the following caveats 

Both Captains must agree and, where an Umpire/ Umpires are due to stand, they are informed and are in agreement.

The official start time will be when the first ball is bowled or 1.30pm, which ever comes first. The WCL will not entertain complaints of a late start for games with an agreed early start time

Any player unable to make the start of the match will have the usual 1 hour to make it to the ground. We appreciate the difficulties for those who work on a Saturday morning. This ruling has been made in the spirit of flexibility and co-operation and we would hope and expect that Captains would bear this in mind.

Clubs wishing to take advantage of this should, having gained all required agreements, inform the Match Secretary of their intentions.

Should this concession prove popular and pass with no significant difficulty the WCL will consider this for any other England matches played on Saturday evenings
 

It is our hope that clubs will find this measure helpful.

 

Wetherby Cricket League Management Board

 

 

 

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