"We have to play, we want to play" – new Leicestershire CEO keen for August 1 restart

New county chief executive Sean Jarvis firmly denied suggestions the Foxes had been among a number of smaller counties pushing for the season to be written off, on the grounds of the prohibitive cost of playing under Covid-19 restrictions

Leicestershire has confirmed it intends to play a full part in the 2020 cricket season, whatever form it takes.

New county chief executive Sean Jarvis firmly denied suggestions the Foxes had been among a number of smaller counties pushing for the season to be written off, on the grounds of the prohibitive cost of playing under Covid-19 restrictions.

“My impression is there's a consensus for a restart on August 1, we accept there'll be additional costs and we're absolutely ready for that,” confirmed Jarvis.

“The board of the county club is unified and clear: whatever the structure, we have to play, we want to play. To even think about Leicestershire - or any county - not taking part, would be hugely disappointing and sad, and it's not something we're contemplating”.

Earlier this week the ECB confirmed it is working towards recreational cricket starting from July 4, while with the government announcing hotels may reopen in early July, a structure for the county season is expected to be announced shortly.

Jarvis, for whom Wednesday was his first full day in his new position, said it was anticipated the season would begin 'behind closed doors', with the possibility of spectators being admitted to later matches.

“Obviously if we could choose we'd prefer the lowest cost option when the season starts, but that isn't the decisive factor,” he said. “If we have to spend four days playing a Championship match up in Durham, then that's what we'll do.”

Jarvis confirmed head coach Paul Nixon was back at work, having been furloughed for part of June, with players set to return to training – possibly initially on a part-time basis - as soon as the season structure was confirmed.

Short-term concern over funding has been largely alleviated by the ECB confirming it would release a further £30.2million to the first-class counties and MCC on August 1, following an initial financial support package of £61m in March.

The new package is comprised of an early release of six months of 'standard' core payments made by the ECB to the counties, which would have been made between August 2020 and January 2021, together with an early release of the remainder of 'The Hundred' payments.

However it came with a reminder that the sport as a whole would need to reduce its cost base, while Jarvis confirmed any extra support from sponsors, existing or new, would be hugely welcome.

He paid tribute to the club's current sponsors, including Upton Steel and Fischer, as well as members.

“One of the reasons we need to play is that commercially we don't need people to fall out of love with the game, though we've had key sponsors telling us: “You can keep the money even if we don't get anything out of it”, while you can literally count the number of members who've raised the question of refunds on two fingers. That loyalty has been incredibly encouraging.”

Jarvis also confirmed the club was seeking to move its licence to stage outdoor events, such as concerts, onto a permanent instead of annual basis.

“We would like the Fischer County Ground to become the premier outdoor venue in the city and region, it's a very important revenue stream,” he said.

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