Northamptonshire confirm cricketers are furloughed

Northamptonshire's cricketers celebrate a wicket in the Specsavers County ChampionshipCredit: PA

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has confirmed it's playing and support staff has been put on furlough leave to help protect the domestic game.

No professional cricket is scheduled to start before May 28th, and the players' union, the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) announced this week that the 18 first class counties had agreed to a collective voluntary support package following talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

It will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money, for an initial two month period between April and May.

Northamptonshire CCC Chief Executive Ray Evans says it was a shared vision within the club in making their decision.

Essex have already announced they were to furlough staff.

Other first-class counties taking similar steps include Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Kent, Leicestershire, Worcestershire and Yorkshire.