ECB announces financial aid to help English cricket through coronavirus

In the wake of COVID-19, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced an interim support package of 61 million euros to help English cricket withstand the financial effect of the pandemic. 40 million euros will be available immediately to the professional structure while the remaining amount is for the recreational game, announced Tom Harrison, chief executive of the ECB, on Tuesday (March 31).

The ECB is exploring the possibility of laying off their employees, which will see them paid 80% of their salary by the government. Harrison also revealed that he will be taking a pay cut. It is expected others will also take a cut. However, Harrison has said that they are not seeking pay cuts from the players, a stand which could change as time goes by.

“It is no exaggeration to say that this is the biggest challenge the ECB have faced in their history,” Harrison said. “The extensive cancellations from Olympics to the Euros to Grand Prixs – the impact on the sports environment is massive.  We won’t know the full impact for a few months.”

The start of the professional season has already been delayed until at least May 28 while the recreational game is on hold for the foreseeable future. This has instilled fear into some of the 18 counties and every level down to grassroots. The ECB hopes this package would help them for the time being.

While the 40 million euros will be made available immediately, the rest of the amount would be coming in interest free loans and grants to the recreational clubs.