Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed this past week in a press release that the return of all forms of amateur cricket has been delayed until 1 February 2021.

This is a blow for amateur and semi-professional cricket which has taken a back seat since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020.

The North West Dragons (men and ladies teams) would have started their long awaited season this past weekend, but due to level 3 restrictions, this has taken a back seat. CSA had originally plotted a return to play roadmap for provincial cricket, clubs, schools and KFC Mini Cricket commencing in the first week of January but due to the current national level 3 lockdown amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, no amateur cricket will be possible for the month of January.

“Cricket South Africa and its Members are exercising their duty of care by adjusting the initial timeframe for the resumption of the game at this level,” said the Acting Head of Cricket Pathways, Edward Khoza.

“While we appreciate the eagerness of our buddying cricketers to play, we are unfortunately constraint by the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic that is currently gripping the country, from which cricket is not sparred. “In an effort to make up for the time lost to amateur cricket, CSA is considering the possibility of extending the playing window to the end of May 2021. Further, Senior Provincial Men and Women will be prioritised as we explore the option of having tournaments played within bio-secure environments,” concluded Khoza.

The revised tournament schedules will be announced at a later stage.