This season’s final playing day/s were cancelled on Wednesday 18 March as part of New Zealand Cricket’s and the six Major Associations’ response to the public health measures required to suppress the transmission of COVID-19.

This situation and subsequently the decision made to cancel the season earlier than scheduled is unprecedented in Auckland Cricket history. 

It is important to acknowledge that this decision will have a significant impact on all clubs/teams, and especially those who were either in championship contention or attempting to avoid relegation when the season was brought to a close prematurely.

We understand that many hours of planning, preparation and training were completed to get to this point and we empathise with all teams/clubs who were denied the opportunity to close out the season on the field. 

Without a precedent for the impact of a global health pandemic on our competitions, Auckland Cricket was steered by the existing by-laws/playing conditions and the fundamental principles of competition delivery. Further, the Association welcomed guidance from the environment through consultation with various stakeholders both within the Auckland club network and outside.

It was important that sufficient information was gathered to make an informed decision that not only truly reflected the current situation but set a precedent that can be used going forward. It was also critical that any decision was based on principles that allowed it to be applied regardless of the level of competition. 

Auckland Cricket believes that there has been sufficient play completed in the current competition/s to declare the remaining fixtures cancelled, and confirm the final standings as at Friday 20 March.

Therefore, championship winners including any promotion or relegation will stand as per the respective competition’s playing conditions and be based on the standings at the aforementioned date (for the avoidance of doubt, this means all competition games up until the weekend of Saturday/Sunday 14/15 March will be valid and points included in the final standings). This applies to all grades without exception.

Congratulations to the following teams for winning Premier titles: 

• Hedley Howarth – Two Day Championship – Parnell Cricket Club 
• Tom Hellaby – Two Day Championship – Grafton United Cricket Club 
• Prichard Cup – Women’s Limited Over Championship – Takapuna District Cricket Club 

A full list of competition winners and full standings will be circulated by the end of the week. Please note as per usual confirmation of promotion / relegation is at the discretion of Auckland Cricket and will be communicated closer to the start of the 2020/21 season.