THE Isle of Wight Cricket Board (IWCB) has made a major announcement – taking the “difficult decision” to cancel all U14 and U16 ECB Competition games for the rest of the season.

In a post to players, parents and guardians, the IWCB said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) received contact from several larger counties, questioning the Isle of Wight teams’ involvement in the competition due to “a gulf in standards”.

It is said the other counties do not think it is to the benefit of the welfare and wellbeing of all players involved.

“The reality is, we have always found it extremely tough as a very small county,” said Nick Heelan for the IWCB.

“But we have tried to ‘box well above our weight’, and had some notable successes, but a lot of heavy losses. 

“I am seeing messages from parents that their children are no longer enjoying cricket, which is against the whole aim of what we hope to achieve.

“I have discussed with quite a few parents and directors about the potential of going into a District Model with Hampshire next year for the lower age ranges up to U16s. 

“Most are in support of us exploring this avenue, and Hampshire said they are happy to talk it through.

“We hope to rearrange some fixtures for the dates we have in our county diary so the players don’t lose too much cricket, but that will be a challenge this late in the season.

“Hampshire have said, if we send them the names and contact details for our strongest under 14s, they will try to play them in their district model this season, and those that shine will get access to other pathways.

“If you think your child meets this criteria, then please speak to your team coach.

“Unsurprisingly, we need to do some team building in the U14s as there have been a few incidents reported which fall below our code of conduct for players and parents. 

“Please feel free to discuss any concerns you have with your team coach or with me directly.

“Thank you in advance of your support at this challenging time.

“It’s a time at which we need to consider how we want to shape the future of junior cricket and all of you as players, parents and guardians have a voice in this.”