Postponed from August 7 at the County Ground in Chelmsford, the game between Essex Women and Kent Women was not a part of the ongoing Women’s Twenty20 Cup or the Women’s County One Day competition. According to a club statement, this decision was made in response to warnings made by local radicals about possible violent protests by far-right groups.
It was stressed in the statement that safety came first and that this decision was made after consulting with a number of parties and stakeholders. The statement further stated that ticket buyers would receive additional information via email and that supporters would be appropriately informed in the event that a new date for the match was scheduled.
The match between Essex Women and Kent Women at The Cloud County Ground has been postponed due to planned demonstrations on Wednesday, August 7.
This was stated in an official statement released on Essex Cricket’s official website.
The decision to postpone the match was made after extensive consultation with Essex Police, the ECB, and the diverse workforce at Essex Cricket. “The safety of all spectators, players, and staff is paramount to Essex Cricket.” The statement also stated that ticket buyers would receive emails from the club with additional information and that fans would be informed when a new date for the match has been set.
The game has been postponed due to ongoing violent protests in multiple UK towns. In the last week, riots instigated by far-right organisations directed towards Muslim communities and asylum seekers have resulted in the detention of more than 400 people. The first riot broke out in Southport last week following a mass stabbing at a dance class that left three young girls dead and numerous more injured.
According to a number of social media posts, far-right organisations might be organising events in Chelmsford and Southend on Wednesday night, according to Wisden.