Yorkshire move Durham T20 Blast clash behind-closed-doors after local coronavirus infection rate rises

The club had hoped for a small number of spectators to attend the clash at Headingley on September 16 but those plans have now been shelved

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Yorkshire have backed out of plans to host fans during their T20 Blast clash against Durham next week.

Headingley had been deemed fit for 1,000 people to attend the match next Wednesday, September 16 as part of the pilot scheme to return spectators to sports venues.

But a recent rise in infection rates in the local area has seen them back-out of the venture.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced on Wednesday (September 9) that Yorkshire v Durham was among four cricket matches permitted to be watched live by fans.

Durham's trip to Lancashire and Hampshire's clash with Surrey both on September 18 were also agreed to, as well as the Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy match between Western Storm and Sunrisers the following day.

Fans have only attended one competitive county match this season, with Surrey hosting 2,500 for the visit of Hampshire last week.

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Yorkshire's 20-over match with Durham was set to become the second but a wave of positives tests among the local community has led to the idea being scrapped.

DCMA says attendance of supporters at pilot events, of which football matches and horse racing meetings are currently part of, is "subject to locations not having local prevalence concerns".

Talks between the Department of Public Health Leeds and Headingley officials ended with a decision to close the game to the public.

A statement read: "All parties believe that this is the appropriate action to take due to the recent rising infection rates in local areas. The safety of our communities is paramount as we strive to prevent the spread of the virus."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Wednesday that the pilot scheme and plans to have spectators in culture venues such as sports stadiums by October 1 were being reviewed.

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