The following letter was emailed to Members with an up-to-date email address. Please share the below with any Members who might not have an email address…
Dear Members,
Firstly I hope this finds you safe and well. Obviously we are going through a very strange time, and I thought I would take the opportunity to get in touch and say hello.
In different circumstances, this week would have seen the completion of the first round of Championship fixtures. We would all have seen many familiar faces that we don’t see during the long ‘off season’, and the wider cricket family would have been back together again to enjoy and possibly despair at another season of highs and lows. As players it would have been an opportunity to showcase all the hard work that has been put in over the long winter break and try to make a statement of intent with our first Championship fixture.
Alas, this wasn’t to be. As much as we are all missing the game we love, the events of the past month have proven what is really important in life. I have the upmost respect and admiration for those working in the NHS, and other key services who put themselves at risk to keep us safe and take care of the sick and vulnerable.
I do believe we will play some cricket this summer. Which format(s) and how much is currently anyone’s guess! What I know for sure is the teams who adapt the quickest to the changes, and those who have looked after themselves well during this lockdown will stand a strong chance of being successful. I hope and expect Yorkshire to be one of those teams.
As players, if we can take anything from this awful situation, it must be to realise how fortunate and privileged we are. The challenges we face as cricketers pale into insignificance compared to the difficulties faced by so many. If anything, it will make me more appreciative of the relationships I have built during my time in cricket, from opposition players, umpires, YCCC staff, and you the members.
I hope in the not too distant future we will all see each other again, and I hope when that time comes we can make you proud to support Yorkshire. But for now I hope you are well and that you stay safe during this difficult time.
Best Wishes
Steven Patterson
