Sussex chief executive Rob Andrew hoping for imminent decision on county season

Various options have been discussed in weekly meetings, including a delayed T20 Blast in September and a form of red-ball tournament culminating in a showpiece Lord's final.

Sussex chief executive Rob Andrew wants a definitive decision on the county schedule in early July.

Andrew and his 17 counterparts across the county network have been in constant contact with each other and the ECB over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, as the sport tries to find a way of returning to competitive action.

Various options have been discussed in weekly meetings, including a delayed T20 Blast in September and a form of red-ball tournament culminating in a showpiece Lord's final. 

However, the domestic game remains suspended until at least August 1. Andrew is hopeful fans and players will not have to wait too much longer, with a planning meeting on July 6 holding the potential for a firm calendar to be outlined.

"It's a challenge to decide what is doable," he told BBC Sussex. "A lot of it is still determined by government decisions.

"But, by the end of this month, we need to have a reasonable amount of certainty because, by definition, we will have to bring back furloughed players around then, for them to be ready to play by 1 August."

Only two counties - Lancashire and Surrey - have not furloughed most or all of their playing and coaching staff during the recent lockdown period.

VISIT THE NEW-LOOK COUNTY HUB

"We've been working closely with both the ECB and the PCA," said Andrew. "Nobody is quite sure what the final answer is but we have to have a plan and it has got to be flexible.

"Options being discussed around the three groups of six, ideally moving the Blast as late as possible into the season in September, each county playing each other twice home and away."

"The decisions are out of our hands, as they have been for football and rugby and other sports. And, if is not possible, then a 50-over competition is another option. That forms the basis of our options and we're just seeing what's feasible.

"One thing cricket has been very good at throughout all this is sticking together and there are lots of discussions still to be had among the 18 counties to find the right solution.

"Everybody is feeling the pinch. And we're all trying to find that way forward, like football a month ago."

The counties hold some hope of allowing a reduced number of spectators into grounds, but that course of action depends entirely on government policy regarding mass gatherings and social distancing.

Save 30% when you subscribe to The Cricketer’s print & digital bundle. £35 for 12 issues