It is probable that unvaccinated people will be barred for participating in cricket, the Central North Cricket Zone chairman, Terry Psarakis, has warned.
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It is understood there is strong opposition in cricket circles to people being excluded from the sport if they are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Psarakis said while it was unlikely that Central North Cricket would insist that all participants be fully vaccinated, NSW Health likely would.
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He said: "There's a move from NSW Health - and I think Cricket NSW is supporting it - that no jab, no play."
"Look, it's a very touchy subject," he added.
It was announced last week that NSW community sport would remain suspended until 80 per cent of the state had received two jabs. That is forecast to occur in mid-November.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Central North Cricket urged its participants to get fully vaccinated.
"Vaccination is key," it said.
"Whilst we most certainly respect the right of all to choose, the Zone[,] in conjunction with Country Cricket NSW[,] support the position of CNSW [Cricket NSW] to provide a safe playing environment for our cricketers.
Vaccination is key.
- Central North Cricket
"And, to this end, everyone who participates in cricket and can be vaccinated, is vaccinated.
"Let's ensure that your [sic] ready to play once community sport returns."
On Saturday, Tamworth cricket president David Mudaliar said there might be a player drain because some players would be barred from participating in community sport after opting not to get vaccinated, or because they can't get vaccinated in time.
He added: "How fair would that be to impact sides that don't have those people vaccinated through no fault of their own?
"They may be missing key players, etc. It's really creating a them-and-us situation right now."
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