There are significant financial implications and reputational issues: Lancashire CEO

MANCHESTER, Sep 10: The cancellation of the fifth Test between India and England will have significant financial implications and also impact the reputation of the prestigious Old Trafford venue, said Lancashire county cricket club CEO Daniel Gidney on Friday.
The final Test here was cancelled just hours before the start amid concerns of further spread of COVID-19 during the match.
“Obviously there are significant financial implications. Obviously we have reputation issues as well, I mean, Old Trafford has a proud history of hosting Test cricket going back to over 100 years. We are absolutely gutted and devastated,” Gidney said.
“I feel for all our staffs, suppliers, stakeholders, partners and sponsors and our guests today.
“But above all the ticket holders, everybody who has spent their hard money amid the difficulties of the pandemic over the last few months, who have been desperate to watch a fantastic game of cricket and unfortunately they can’t do that and on behalf of Lancashire cricket club, I am truly sorry that those fans have been left so disappointed.”
Gidney admitted the situation was not in their control and promised a full refund to the ticket holders.
Old Trafford didn’t have fans for a Test match since the Ashes in 2019 and there is no five-day game scheduled next year and Gidney said it is tough to accept it. (PTI)