USA Cricket is today forced to announce the cancellation of the Florida leg of the Men’s and Youth Zonal Trials due to the recent sharp rise in cases during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the escalation in COVID-19 cases in Florida combined with the higher attached risk for those who would have needed to travel to the trial, including selectors, coaches and players, scheduled for this weekend has meant the only prudent decision has been taken to cancel the trial.
Over the course of recent weeks, 11 of the proposed 14 trials have safely and successfully taken place, with over 320 Men’s players and more than 300 Youth players involved across each of the six USA Cricket Zones. In what has been an incredibly challenging year to host any cricket, these trials have given our new National, Youth and Zonal Selectors a head start in considering which players to work more closely with in the future, as USA Cricket prepares for upcoming Men’s and Youth Under 19 ICC qualifying events scheduled for 2021.
The Florida trial cancellation, alongside two other trials which were also cancelled in October – in Albany, NY and Los Angeles, CA – due to COVID restrictions, means the 2020 Zonal Trials for Men’s and Youth are now concluded. The trials have not just been positive from the playing perspective but have also given valuable insight into the many volunteers who committed their time and energy into making each trial run as smoothly as possible under the specifically designed USA Cricket COVID protocols. USA Cricket is sincerely grateful for everyone’s commitment in these difficult times.
USA Cricket Operations Director, Richard Done, explained, “USA Cricket would like to thank all the volunteers who contributed to making sure our trials went ahead safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Their passion for cricket is the lifeblood of the sport in the US and we are grateful for their efforts in allowing the selectors an opportunity to view over 620 talented cricketers from nearly 1,400 original nominations. Along with the limited other cricket that was possible in 2020, this is an important first step in identifying our best talent, on our journey to international success on the pitch in 2021 and beyond.”
“Finally, please let me reassure any players who feel they may have missed out on an opportunity in 2020 to fully demonstrate their skill and ability for whatever reason, do not be disheartened. Further and new opportunities will be established in early 2021 to get involved, the best way to ensure that players do not miss out is to ensure you are registered with us here.”
