THERE is plenty of uncertainty around recreational cricket at the moment, and while the Bradford Premier League, Aire-Wharfe League and Halifax League are still hopeful of resuming in some form in 2020, the Bradford Evening League are not.

With July 1 about to come and go, and with the government still imposing a ban on recreational cricket for now, they have decided to cut their losses.

In a letter sent to all those involved in the competition and the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Evening League secretary Phil Poole said: "The Evening League is now over halfway through its scheduled season & a meaningful season cannot really be achieved if clubs are not playing each other at least once.

"There was some slight scope to extend the season but realistically we would need to start by 1st July to be able to complete half a season, because of our reliance on light nights.

"This would also have required the support & availability of umpires, which is not a given.

"Unfortunately, the latest announcements from the government & ECB would appear to have removed this final option from us.

"It is therefore with great reluctance & regret that the Evening League Executive have decided to abandon its 2020 season in its entirety.

"Annual £20 subscriptions will be carried forward to next season unless clubs would prefer a refund, in which case please contact the treasurer, Smita Lymbery, on 01274 673426/07787 708113 or email smita@walkinstyle.co.uk.

"The League would like to offer their best wishes to all existing clubs & new entrants Bankfoot, Bradford College & Saltaire and hope you are able to play some form of cricket during what is left of the current season with their weekend teams.

"We hope we can rely on your continued support & participation in the 2021 season & in this respect, I will keep in contact with clubs regarding the league AGM which is scheduled to take place, as usual, on the last Wednesday in November.

"Many thanks. Take care & stay safe. Cheers for now."