County cricketers agree support package to help game during coronavirus crisis
County cricketers have agreed a voluntary ‘support package’ that involves substantial pay cuts to help the first-class game during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Professional Cricketers’ Association – together with the ECB and 18 first-class counties – confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached an initial agreement for the months of April and May.
Players have agreed to be furloughed if requested – with county champions Essex and Kent already announcing they would be using the government’s job retention scheme – with also taking pay cuts.
The PCA will also give up £1million in 2020 prize money.
The 2020 County Championship was due to start on Sunday but has been delayed until at least May 28 with the country currently in lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis.
PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell said: ‘The understanding from our players and the willingness to help has been particularly heartening.
‘As a group of players, we will do everything we can to ensure that when cricket does return the sport is in a position to thrive.’
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