Sussex Cricket League votes to remove provision of mid-match teas

Home sides will no longer be expected to provide food during the innings break, though they will have to to provide cold and hot drinks for players on both sides, as well as for match officials. The innings break will remain 30 minutes in length

The Sussex Cricket League has voted to remove the provision of mid-match teas.

The decision was made at the competition’s annual general meeting after 203 votes were cast.

Of the votes, 114 were cast in favour of the motion, with 89 against.

It means that home sides will no longer be expected to provide food during the innings break, though they will be expected to provide cold and hot drinks for players on both sides, as well as for match officials. The innings break will remain 30 minutes in length.

Understandably, the announcement on social media brought with it a range of opinions.

Preston Nomads CC wrote in response: “We will unilaterally disregard the outcome of this vote. We encourage other clubs to follow suit.”

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The Cricketer understands that similar discussions are taking place in other leagues across the country, with some votes currently ongoing on the subject of ending the obligation on home teams to provide teas.

During the half-season available to clubs in the 2020 summer affected by the coronavirus pandemic, clubs were not to provide mid-match teas as a precaution against Covid-19, though players were encouraged to bring their own fare.

The move from the Sussex Cricket League, which is seen as more permanent than simply a temporary, precautionary measure, could aid clubs struggling financially after this year, though it will also likely impact costs for individual players, who already pay weekly match fees and season-long membership subscriptions.

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