Cricket has become the latest sport to succumb to fixture suspensions because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended all forms of recreational cricket until further notice.

It includes the suspension of training, pre-season friendlies and any associated cricket activity.

So far, it is unknown whether the suspension will extend as far as the scheduled start date for the Birmingham and District Cricket League and the Shropshire County Cricket League.

John Hulme, president of Oswestry Cricket Club, said the club will continue to monitor the situation, but has decided to close until further notice.

“Oswestry Cricket Club suspended net sessions and practice until further notice, and will continue to follow the English Cricket Board guidelines,” he said.

“Indoor nets have also been cancelled until further notice to follow guidelines.

“The club has closed its doors until further notice, but groundwork will continue. We will continue to monitor the situation as a club.

“The club itself has been closed since Monday after an emergency meeting following the prime minister’s announcement.

“I know Birmingham leagues were awaiting a decision from the ECB regarding the suspension of games and training.”

Shropshire County Cricket Club, of which John is also the chairman, has also cancelled a hospitality event scheduled for July.

The annual Pure Telecom hospitality event has been cancelled alongside two scheduled Twenty20 fixtures against Scottish side Grange CC from Edinburgh.

John added: “We are naturally very disappointed to have to make this decision, but it was inevitable with the speed of change in the outbreak.

"We have an overriding responsibility and duty to safeguard and protect the welfare of all guests and everyone involved with the event.

"Their wellbeing is of paramount importance and these are particularly challenging and uncertain times.

"All guests who have paid in advance will be duly refunded. We very much look forward to staging the occasion next year and welcoming back our many patrons and corporate sponsors who have supported us over the last 14 years. We have already penciled in a date for July 2021.''