Surrey have contacted their 13,500 members offering a 25 per cent refund on membership subscriptions for 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Even English cricket’s wealthiest county is not immune to the financial strains caused by Covid-19 and recently had to lay off 20 members of staff.
They have lost revenue from a Test match and an ODI at the Kia Oval as well as millions from conferencing and events.
CEO Richard Gould told Standard Sport in July: “Our business is stuffed this year. We were due to have a turnover of £37million, we will be lucky to do 14. It’s that stark for us.”
But the county have still offered members a partial refund. A Surrey membership costs between £150 and £400 depending on category, while junior memberships – costing £20 – have been rolled over to next season.
The county season has been played almost entirely behind closed doors, leaving members relying on the increasingly excellent streams provided by clubs to catch any action at all.
“Membership is the bedrock of the Club’s finances and is essential in making sure that Surrey County Cricket Club is able to navigate its way through this crisis,” said a post on the club’s website.
“Many Members have already been in touch offering to donate their 2020 Membership fee to the Club. If you would like to donate your Membership, then you do not need to do anything.
“This is hugely appreciated and will help to ensure that the Club is able to bounce back, on and off the field, as soon as possible.”
