In somewhat of a blackflip, Sport and Recreation Victoria has given permission for cricket clubs to allow spectators as well as equipment sharing after pressure from Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia.
Officials at Goulburn Murray Cricket, Cricket Shepparton and the Murray Valley Cricket Association have welcomed the changes.
In its push for changes to original protocols Cricket Victoria made it known that it was not happy with the Sport and Recreation ruling that people could gather in groups in parks and not at a cricket match.
It also made it clear the cost of not being able to share cricket gear was going to rule out a lot of players, particularly young players who may be trying their hand at cricket for the first time and who would be relying on club equipment or using equipment of other players to be able to play.
Cricket Victoria’s club competition manager Darren Anderson said the ability to share gear would save some families hundreds of dollars.
While there has been some ground given by Sport and Recreation Victoria, many restrictions will still apply for clubs and their players for the season.
At present, training sessions are restricted to groups of 10, with three rotating groups allowed through the nets and grounds.
Cricket balls will also not be permitted to be shined with saliva or sweat and afternoon teas will have to be the responsibility of each player and not be shared.
Kyabram Cricket Club is preparing for the new Cricket Shepparton season, which starts on October 17, while Goulburn Murray Cricket doesn’t start its season until November 7, when Kyabram Fire Brigade will begin the defence of its flag.
All games this season in local country cricket will be one-dayers.
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