OFFICIALS of the ENCO Halifax Cricket League are bracing themselves for not seeing willow on leather until June at the earliest.

League secretary Tim Helliwell has issued a statement which even mentioned starting in July or August or, perish the thought, not at all in 2020.

More detailed information will be issued after Friday, April 10, following discussions between the league's management board and executive committee.

However, one early casualty has been the Inspiring Future Generations cricket day scheduled for Halifax's iconic Piece Hall on Wednesday, April 8.

It will hopefully be rescheduled for April, 2021.

The league statement reads: "On March 18, 2020 the England & Wales Cricket Board recommended the suspension of all cricket-related activities with immediate effect and until further notice.

"As a result the ENCO Halifax Cricket League management board have suspended all senior and junior cricket and cricket-related activities under their jurisdiction with immediate effect and until further notice.

"This includes club-organised training, pre-season practice and pre-season friendlies.

"Senior and junior league and cup cricket will not be played in April 2020, even if the suspension is lifted.

"Cricket in May is very unlikely but at this time a specific decision has not been taken.

"All planned senior and junior league meetings are cancelled until further notice.

"It is strongly recommended that clubs comply with Government guidelines with regard to club meetings and gatherings.

"The planned event due to take place on April 8 at the Piece Hall in Halifax - Inspiring Future Generations - has been postponed and will hopefully be rescheduled for April 2021.

"The league management board has considered all options for the cricket season, with the possibility of starting in June, July and/or August, as well as the possibility of a summer without cricket.

"However, it is important to be guided by Government and the ECB and obviously to wait for the virus risk to reduce dramatically.

"The ENCO Halifax Cricket League management board and executive committee will continue to talk, and further information will be provided on April 10 2020, when hopefully we will be in a better position to make specific plans.

"Meanwhile, I am sure clubs will take all necessary steps to protect their members and supporters at this time.

"The management board would like to take this opportunity to thank clubs and our umpires for their support in this unique situation."