Carlisle's defence of the Cumbria Cricket League's Premier Division title me be in jeopardy before a ball is bowled this summer.

Thanks to the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that all forms of recreational cricket hove now been suspended until further notice.

The statement said: "Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.

"This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

"Over the coming weeks we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues."

The ECB statement follows Carlisle's previous statement to call a halt to indoor training after the closure of Trinity School, the venue used by the club.

Carlisle's club secretary, Mark Davidson, said: "These are very difficult times we are experiencing locally, nationally and globally.

"The club committee wants all our member to keep safe and well, and if that means an indefinite postponement of cricket, then it is - in bigger picture terms - a small price to pay.

"We will be continually monitoring the situation, and would urge everyone to keep an eye on social media for all updated information."

n To read the ECB statement in full, please visit our website https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/other-sport/cricket/

Following the Government’s latest advice around social distancing, it is with sadness and reluctance that we recommend that all forms of recreational cricket are for now suspended.

This extends to training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

Sport plays an absolutely vital role in the nation’s mental and physical wellbeing, and it helps people find meaning where there is fear and uncertainty, so one of our goals in the coming weeks will be to explore ways that we can support some levels of physical activity in communities - particularly at junior levels.

Using our cricket community to support others could be one of the most important services we can offer during the difficult next few months.

It will be critical that any decisions we do make are medically-led. And we will continue to work with Government and their advisors to ensure we are informed by science in our decision making.

Over the coming weeks we will work with the game to understand what support is required across the cricket community, particularly local clubs and leagues.

We understand that countless hours of work from thousands of volunteers have already gone into getting ready for the 2020 season and we know how disappointing this will be. We are thankful for the huge role that volunteers play in local cricket, to ensure the game remains at the heart of communities.

We know that you and your clubs can play an important role in bringing your community together once we get past this period of time.