Hampshire has canceled the contract of Australia spinner Nathan Lyon as an overseas player for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The off-spinner was set to play in the County Championship after signing a red-ball only deal, but with the English domestic season postponed until May 28, a mutual agreement to end the agreement signed.
Hampshire Cricket Director of Cricket, Giles White, stated, “These are very uncertain and challenging times, and it’s clear the issues cricket currently faces will contribute to how counties can operate and prepare for this season.”
“As a result of this and following conversations with Nathan and his management, it was mutually agreed that he would no longer join us this season,” he added.
“I would like to thank Nathan and his representatives for their complete understanding and agreement, and we hope to welcome him to the club next season,” White stated.
Recently, the IPL 2020 was postponed till April 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak. To the disappointment of the cricket fans, the India-South Africa ODI series has also been canceled.
Earlier this month, the ECB had decided to postpone the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to the coronavirus pandemic. The series was to be a part of the World Test Championship.
All the English players playing in the Pakistan Super League have been called back immediately, and the tournament has been postponed.
