YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club’s chief executive has hailed the generosity of county members in helping reduce the financial impact of coronavirus on the club.

Mark Arthur said the club had lost 25 per cent of their income as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, but said supporters had stepped up to the plate.

“We said halfway through the season if people wanted money back we would issue them with a credit, but if they could give us a donation then that would be fantastic,” he said.

“We’ve had an unbelievable response. 85 per cent of members donated their membership fee, so you can see how important cricket is to the people of Yorkshire.”

Arthur was optimistic about the prospects of the 2021 English domestic season, and predicted a “surge of interest” from existing and new supporters who have spent the bulk of 2020 under lockdown.

“I am incredibly optimistic,” he told the Game of Two Halves online event, set up by thebusinessdesk.com.

“We lost practically all of our season - no supporters in any shape or form. But I think next year, once the vaccine is widely available, hopefully we will get cricket going in April.

“I think there will be a surge of interest in all sports. People will want to get out of their homes, they will want to interact with other people and they will want to make up for lost time.”