Derbyshire CCC welcome safe return of fans to games

Limited crowds will be able to attend sporting events from Monday 17 May, with restrictions on capacity set to be lifted from Monday 21 June.

It means Derbyshire will welcome supporters back to The Incora™ County Ground from Thursday 20 May, for the LV= County Championship fixture against Durham.

Unrestricted crowds could return to Derbyshire for the visit of Leicestershire Foxes on Tuesday 22 June, before the East Midlands Derby with Notts Outlaws under the lights on Friday 25 June.

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, said: “We are delighted with the government’s plans to get supporters back into sporting events and to restore normality after a testing period for all.

“We will continue to work closely with the ECB and the government guidelines to ensure that we have measures in place to ensure the safe return of our supporters from mid May. Everyone at Derbyshire, from the coaches and players out there on the field, through to the off-field staff and Supervisory Board, have missed our Members and supporters immensely and we can’t wait to welcome them back into The Incora County Ground and Queen’s Park.

“We have plenty of big fixtures scheduled after restrictions are lifted and we know that our supporters will create a brilliant atmosphere and get right behind the team as we approach the business end of the campaign.

“While some uncertainty still remains, we can be positive and look forward to a full summer of cricket. On behalf of the club, I would like to once again extend my sincere thanks to our members for their support throughout this challenging time.”

Under the current government plans, the BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket could also be played in front of capacity crowds, with Derbyshire set to host defending County Championship and Bob Willis Trophy holders, Essex, in first-class action, before facing Yorkshire Vikings under the spire at Queen’s Park.