19th March 2020
| Mallory Gray
To all members of the Cricket Family in Wales
I wanted to take the opportunity to address you personally, to reassure you that Cricket Wales will continue to do all we can to support you during these uncertain times for our sport.
As sad as the decision to suspend cricket activity was for all of us, I have no doubt that it was the correct call and we will continue to heed medical advice and put the safety and wellbeing of our participants first.
We are, however, entirely cognisant of what a difficult and unsettling time this will be for our cricket clubs, leagues, organisations and communities. We continue our regular contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding our sport’s response to coronavirus, including what additional support might available for the grassroots game, and these discussions continue. We are also in direct dialogue with a number of volunteers and participants in Wales, to get as full a picture as possible about the impact the outbreak is having on our sport, and the key concerns which are shared around the country.
Sport – and cricket in particular - plays a critically important role in our communities and positively impacts the lives of many people. We know that it brings people together and provides a place and sense of belonging for many thousands of participants, regardless of their background, ability, age, religion, or aspiration. I personally hold this very dear.
Inevitably, we will all need to adapt and change our approach in the coming months, to ensure that we safeguard everything that is special about our sport. I am aware of a number of forward-thinking clubs and groups who are already thinking creatively about how they will maintain connectivity with their members during the suspension of cricket, and how they might play a role in their communities in the coming weeks and months.
As an organisation, we will be doing the same creative thinking. While our office in Sophia Gardens is now closed and our staff are working from home, we will be working positively and diligently to provide the highest standard of support to our clubs and communities in the best possible way that we can. We will all need to think differently about how we operate, as we work our way through this difficult period together.
Please continue to visit the Cricket Wales website and our social media channels for information and advice, which will be updated regularly. Please also be assured cricket in Wales will overcome this challenge and will emerge stronger than before.
Most importantly, though, at this time, please look after yourselves and those who are most important and closest to you.
With best wishes from all of us.
Leshia Hawkins
CEO, Cricket Wales