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Cricket Australia has announced that this season’s National Cricket Inclusion Championships (NCIC), National Indigenous Cricket Championships (NICC) and Australia Country Cricket Championships will not be played, with all three championships set to return next season.

The decision was taken while considering the COVID-19 unrest in the country, with travel restrictions and quarantine requirements. The players and support staff would have an added burden on them with all the necessary precautions and requirements to be followed. The decision was taken by Cricket Australia after consulting each State and Territory associations and it was also guided by government and medical advice.

Cricket Australia Postpones National Championships Until Next Season

Executive General Manager of Community Cricket, Belinda Clark has said that it was a tough decision and everyone is disappointed with so many players and staff being affected by the decision.

“This was a tough decision, which was not taken lightly. We’re deeply disappointed these competitions will be pushed back until next season, particularly given how much value the championships bring to players, staff and communities alike.” Belinda Clark, as quoted by ANI.

“The uncertainty regarding interstate travel and COVID-19 restrictions and requirements place an even greater toll on local organising committees and non-professional players who would be away from their employment, family and friends for an increased period of time,” she added.

Photo Credit: Cricket World Cup/Twitter.

Cricket Australia and States to provide targeted assistance for player development

The players and the communities of the three championships, NCIC, NICC, and Australian country cricket are very important for the development of Australian cricket. Cricket Australia and State and territories will provide them with targeted assistance for player development through the season in the absence of the competitions.

This will include state-specific programs for teams with examples being training sessions, mentorships, intra-state matches, BBL attendance, personal development and satellite coaching.

The Commonwealth Bank has been providing essential support to the NCIC and the NICC for the past four and five years respectively, receiving support from as a part of the wider Sport for All program. Cricket Australia and State/Territory bodies have the ability to focus on delivering safe and engaging programs for its teams with their decision to postpone the Championships to next season.