Cricketers put on furlough leave at Essex

Essex cricketers celebrate winning the Specsavers County Championship at Taunton in September 2019. Credit: PA

Double-winners Essex have announced the county's cricket playing staff has been placed on furlough leave in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The majority of Essex's non-playing staff have also been furloughed, with the club's headquarters in Chelmsford closed to the public since late March.

Essex's announcement followed a statement from the player's union the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) detailing a collective players agreement to support First Class Cricket.

Discussions between the PCA, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and 18 first-class counties led to all parties supporting an initial two-month agreement that will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money.

Currently all professional cricket in England is on hold until May 28th at the earliest.

Other counties who've furloughed players include Derbyshire, Kent and Leicestershire. Worcestershire and Yorkshire had revealed their plans prior to the PCA's announcement.

Essex Cricket Chief Executive Derek Bowden says the club made it's 'difficult decision' following a board meeting earlier this week.

Essex say the club will operate with reduced staff throughout April, with regular assessments taking place beyond that.