It would appear that the 2021 Annual Cup Match Classic will not be played.
Reports out of the west end in that the champions Somerset Cricket Club have rejected the challenge letter sent to them by host St. Georges Cricket Club.
Both Cup Match clubs hosted meetings with their members to give the latest updates regarding the 2021 Classic, this after Government gave the approval for the Classic to take place on May 25th, two months before the match that usually takes 9 – 10 months of planning to pull off.
Reports out of the Somerset Cricket Club is that the members feel it is not enough time for the team to prepare to defend the trophy they have held onto since winning it back in 2012.
Islandstats.com is attempting to get confirmation regarding this latest development, and will have more in the coming hours.
The Somerset Cricket Club have released a Statement: -
Somerset Cricket Club deeply understands the historic and cultural significance of Cup Match. However, after much deliberation, the SCC membership concluded that health and safety concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of cricket impede the integrity of this great event.
Recent announcements related to the pandemic, along with further delays to the start of domestic league cricket, have informed SCC's position to respectfully decline the official Challenge Letter from St. George’s Cricket Club. This letter serves as the precursor to any official Cup Match and is one of the deeply rooted traditions that govern the Classic.
It is with a heavy heart that Somerset Cricket Club withdraws from participating in this year’s Cup Match Classic. Starting as a match played between two friendly societies in 1902 to celebrate the emancipation of slavery, the event has grown in both popularity and scope. Notwithstanding the absence of the official Cup Match Classic, SCC encourages Bermuda to tap into the cultural significance and spirit of the two-day holiday.
Somerset Cricket Club further wishes to acknowledge the endeavors of St. Georges Cricket Club and other stakeholders who have been working tirelessly to formulate proposals for an alternative Cup Match experience. In closing, Somerset Cricket Club wishes to thank all fans and sponsors of Cup Match for their continued support over the years and look forward to 2022 with cautious optimism.
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