The NCU welcomes today's announcement from the NI Executive, which will see a gradual return to action for domestic cricket in Northern Ireland, as part of plans to ease current COVID-19 restrictions.

We will continue to work together with Cricket Ireland, NWCU, Sport NI and the Department for Communities to ensure a safe return to cricket in accordance with government guidelines. Further advice will be issued to clubs as soon as details are finalised regarding the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

The NCU is encouraged to see a return to local cricket in Northern Ireland on the horizon, however all clubs are reminded that no collective training is permitted under the current guidelines, either indoors or outdoors.

We will continue to monitor the situation in the Republic of Ireland and how the Irish Government plans impact on our clubs operating in Monaghan.  Clubs operating in Monaghan are also reminded that group training is not permitted until such time as public health measures sufficiently allow for organised outdoor gatherings.

We will be in contact with clubs in due course regarding the upcoming domestic season once more information becomes available.