Apologies if you have already received this communication.  In summary it contains important information around the sad news that Dynamos has been cancelled for 2020 and the plans to refund parents. It also outlines that All Stars may continue and plans to retain this under review. I wanted to be doubly sure that you were up to date. 

This announcement does not impact the Kwik cricket which we have put in place which starts tomorrow at 5.30 for years 3 and 4 children. As a reminder please ensure that you follow the preparation guidelines, the children bring their own water bottle, wear a hat and have appropriate sunscreen on as its going to be hot!

Again sorry to be the bearer of bad news, I look forward to catching up with you soon. The note below from the ECB is for your reference.

Regards

 

Liam Richards

 

 

From the ECB

We hope that you and your family remain safe and well during these uncertain times.

Thank you for your ongoing patience while we've been working closely with the UK Government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to determine how best to move forward with our two National Participation Programmes, All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket, during the COVID-19 period. 

The ECB along with the nation's cricket players are keen to see the imminent and safe return of our sport at recreational level and have been working hard with Government to achieve this.

We believe that cricket is a non-contact sport, with very low risks of exposure, and that it can be played as safely as many other activities being currently permitted. It is our strong desire to work with Government to see the return of recreational cricket on or around 4 July, as they continue to lift other restrictions more broadly across society.

As we continue to work towards recreational cricket returning on or around 4 July, though, it has become clear that given the current restrictions we will sadly be unable to run certain elements of the scheduled 2020 cricket season.

We have therefore reached the tough decision that Dynamos Cricket will not take place in 2020. Together with you Dynamos clubs, we will do everything we can to give your Dynamos child an opportunity to play this summer when it is safe to do so.

We remain optimistic that All Stars Cricket will be able to take place later in the summer.

Please read on for further information and how this impacts you and your children, as registered participants for All Stars and Dynamos Cricket.

Q&A for Registered Participants

Why is All Stars able to run whilst Dynamos is cancelled?
With the restrictions caused by COVID-19, we are unable to launch a brand new programme, provide the Money Can't Buy Opportunities and deliver a high-quality experience with fully trained activators this summer. Being a new offering, it was our intention to provide clubs and activators with the necessary new training to deliver Dynamos Cricket in March and April this year, but unfortunately the ongoing restrictions have meant we were unable to do this so are unable to launch as we had hoped.

Now in its fourth year, we are confident that subject to Government guidance on social distancing, cricket clubs that have previously delivered All Stars will be able to deliver the programme to the same high standards as previous years, with fully trained activators already in place. As such, we remain optimistic that All Stars will be able to take place later in the summer.

Will there be any other opportunities for my child to play junior cricket instead of Dynamos?
Whilst we won't be able to offer the programme, we are optimistic that clubs will be able to provide some forms of recreational cricket over the summer and we will be offering clubs support to ensure that some junior cricket can be played.

What format will All Stars Cricket take in 2020?
The programme will inevitably require some modifications to suit COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures. Crucially, we will only advise clubs that they can run sessions when the Government has deemed it safe to do so. We will also be requiring clubs to run their own risk assessments and only run sessions if they also feel confident in being able to maintain public safety by following the recommended measures. We will be in touch to let you know about modifications in the coming weeks.

Will I receive a refund for Dynamos, and can I receive a refund for All Stars if I no longer want my child taking part?
All those who have signed up to the 2020 Dynamos Cricket programme will receive a refund which will be processed within the next eight weeks.

Once Government guidance allows us to do so, we will be in touch to inform you that All Stars can resume and will also advise clubs that they are then able to run sessions. Following that, your club will be in touch with you to let you know if they are running sessions and if so will provide an update on new session timings. If your child is unable to attend a rescheduled programme, or you are not comfortable with your child attending, you will be entitled to a full refund. If this is the case, we request you to contact the All Stars Cricket Helpdesk here and we will process refunds individually.

How long will my refund(s) take to be processed?
Our All Stars Cricket and Dynamos Cricket Helpdesks are currently operating in a limited capacity due to COVID-19 and therefore it will take longer than normal to respond to enquiries and process refund requests. From the point of request, the Helpdesks require eight weeks to process the refund. The refund of the programme fee will be made to the same bank card that was used to make the booking. If there are any issues with the refund bouncing, we will be in touch directly. We appreciate your patience whilst we work through these.

How can I stay up to date with Dynamos Cricket news over the next year?
Don't forget that the Dynamos Cricket app is still available to download, giving children the chance to test their skills and complete challenges. You can also keep up to date with all the latest Dynamos announcements via our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts and our Dynamos pages here. We will keep you updated over email with relevant news such as changes to the app and 2021 registration dates when they are available.

The response to the launch of Dynamos Cricket and the return of All Stars was overwhelming and we at the ECB, as well as clubs across the country remain incredibly encouraged by your enthusiasm. Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you cheering your children on soon.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, Lord's Cricket Ground, London, NW8 8QZ