Cricket in England to resume from Saturday to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Cricket in England was suspended on Friday, September 9, after the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. All cricketing actions had been put on halt for the day by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). But as per recent developments, it has been decided that the games will resume on Saturday and a tribute will be paid to Her Majesty.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 96. The ECB had stated that a decision to start the games would be taken after consulting the government, and the decision to suspend the third Test match between England and South Africa was also taken mutually by the two cricketing boards.

The ECB stated that the Proteas team had to return back to their country on Tuesday to spend some time at home before embarking on their next tours of India and Australia, because of which Saturday's play between the two teams will be considered as the third day of the Test. 

The first day of the Men’s Test match was abandoned due to rain, and the game was suspended on the second day after the Queen’s demise. The India Women’s tour of England, which consists of three T20Is and as many ODIs, will go ahead as scheduled and will begin on September 10.

A minute’s silence will be observed before each match

The ECB shared an official statement on their Twitter handle and notified everyone of the final decision. The post read:

“Cricket will resume on Saturday to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and honour her remarkable life and service. Following the cancellation of Friday’s cricket fixtures as a mark of respect on announcement of her death, the England and Wales cricket board can confirm that play will resume from Saturday including international and recreational fixtures. The decision has been taken after consultation with DCMS and in line with Official National Mourning guidance.

“This means that Men’s Test match between England and South Africa will begin at The Oval and the Women’s IT20 match between England and India will also go ahead at the Riverside in Durham. The scheduled match between England and Sri Lanka Men's U19 along with recreational cricket fixtures will also take place as planned. Before each match, a minute’s silence will be observed followed by the national anthem. All players and coaches will wear black armbands. Branded inventory will be replaced with messaging paying cricket’s respects to The Queen.”

We have been in discussions with Cricket South Africa but they have to fly home on Tuesday to spend a precious few days at home before heading to India and Australia. Tomorrow (Saturday) is therefore confirmed as Day 3 of a 5-day Test Match.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2022