Cricket could be one of the first sports in the UK to allow fans back into the stadium after the Covid-19-enforced break, even as early as August, with Lancashire chief Dan Gidney saying social distancing measures can implemented within the stadiums.

“A lot of people think the stadiums can’t socially distance because they’ve got 20,000 to 25,000 people,” Gidney said over video to reporters. “But you could have 2,000 or 3,000 people in the 20,000-seat stadium with protections in place.”

Gidney believes domestic cricket at the fag end of a modified season could see crowds being allowed back to a degree, even as Premier League football, among other sports, contemplates beginning next season behind closed doors.

“[The ECB is] looking at hosting some internationals behind closed doors in a bio-safe environment,” said Gidney. “And I am hopeful that there will be some domestic cricket, at least behind closed doors.
“And hopefully … towards the back end of the year, late August, early September, perhaps with some smaller crowds, with some social distancing.

“I’m not being reckless or saying things that can’t happen from a safety perspective. As long as the infection rate continues to drop, I believe we should be able to get some form of domestic cricket back.”