Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions welcome the recent announcement from the NI Executive regarding the timetable for the phased return of spectators to outdoor sport in Northern Ireland.

From 24 May 2021, up to 500 spectators will be allowed at cricket matches in Northern Ireland at fixtures or events where the club or venue operator can ensure compliance with social distancing, control numbers accordingly, and have appropriate hygiene practices in place.

These planned relaxations will be subject to review on the 20 May.

Clubs are still reminded that for the next 10 days current restrictions are still to be maintained with no spectators permitted.

However, the imminent return of spectators will be a relief to many within the cricket family, and a welcome news to clubs and players as they get their season's fully underway.

Cricket Ireland and the Provincial Unions will continue to work with the Irish Government - and relevant health and sports authorities - as similar measures are hopefully introduced in the Republic in due course.

We are as keen as the wider cricket family to see spectators return as soon as permitted, but until the Irish Government announces changes then the current exclusion of spectators remains in place.