Author: Michael James

Christmas greeting I received.

Dear Michael,

As we come to the end of 2020, I want to say a huge thank you for everything you’ve done to support cricket during this exceptionally challenging year.

After the highs of 2019, it has certainly not been the year we hoped and planned for, but I am immensely proud of how the whole game has come together to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19.

When the pandemic first struck, our collective approach was to reach out to our local communities and ask how we can help. Professional and recreational clubs, volunteers, players, and key workers across the cricket community went above and beyond to support the national effort in a time of crisis.

Thanks to the efforts and teamwork of many of you, we were also able to get back on the pitch across all levels of the game. We played in locals parks, in mosques, in back gardens and, of course, in front of empty stadiums. We played anywhere we could, watched our men’s and women’s teams on Sky and BBC, and put smiles on millions of faces across the country. This summer, above all others, we needed it.

There are many challenges ahead, but it has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm to get fans back into stadia, to give more people the opportunity to play the game, and to keep connecting communities and improving lives through cricket. We will be working hard over the winter to make sure all of this can happen safely in 2021.

Together, we can make next year one to celebrate. Before then, I hope you have a restful festive break with your loved ones – you have earned it. Thank you once again.

Tom Harrison

Chief Executive Officer, ECB