Cricket Victoria has recommended a start date of October 17 for associations based regionally following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions by the state government.
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The Ballarat Cricket Association has planned a meeting with clubs on Thursday to work towards setting a date for the start of the 2020-21 season.
October 3 had been the scheduled start date for the upcoming season, but this is now becoming increasingly unlikely.
In a statement sent to media on Wednesday, Cricket Victoria said the period between now and October 17 would allow time for COVID-safe plans to be in place, grounds to be prepared and teams to complete a shortened program of pre-season training.
The four-week timeframe will also allow clubs and associations to liaise with local councils, prepare their facilities and provide relevant education to players, coaches and volunteers, Cricket Victoria said.
Cricket Victoria's head of member services Paul Milo said the process of finalising plans to return with authorities was currently being completed.
"We're still working through the finer points around training, number of groups on-field and turf wicket preparation but we expect we'll have more information to share there in the coming days," Milo said.
"We'll also be hosting webinars for clubs and associations over the next week to provide support and guidance as we make our way through this process."
From Thursday, as regional Victoria moves to step three of the COVID-19 roadmap, outdoor contact and non-contact sport for people aged 18 and younger and outdoor non-contact sport for adults - with gathering and density limits - can resume.
Victorian Country Cricket League president Kelvin White encouraged clubs and associations to be thorough in their preparations.
"We've got a great opportunity to set an example in being COVID-safe and a blueprint for when metropolitan Melbourne may be able to return to play cricket," he said.
"It's exciting news for communities across regional Victoria where cricket is such a mainstay of their summers."
Reigning first grade premiers Darley is one Ballarat Cricket Association club that has scheduled training for Thursday night as it looks to prepare for season 2020-21.
BCA president Rob Florence was keen to meet with clubs before communicating the board's ideas.