We're all in firing line due to COVID-19 pandemic: Farbrace

Former England assistant coach Paul Farbrace says everyone associated with the game is in "firing line" and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic will affect all the county clubs.

The coronavirus outbreak has forced England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to suspend all cricket activities until July 1.

The world governing body is mulling conducting internationals events behind closed doors and the prospects of counties playing in front of fans this summer also look grim.

"Every single one of us is in the firing line - it doesn't matter what position you're in, every single club will look at its financial situation and work out what the best thing is to do," Farbrace, who is currently working as a sport director with Warwickshire, told ESPNcricinfo.

"The game is really in a tough place. The ECB have been fantastic, very consistent in their communication to clubs, and the support they've given financially across the board has been excellent.

"But we all know that the ECB doesn't have endless pots of money, and we all know that the game is taking a massive hit. All the time England aren't playing, and Sky aren't getting what they want, which is live cricket to show, there is going to be a knock-on effect across the board."
"Ultimately, what we want is to come out of it with 18 first-class counties, and as many people as possible to still be in their jobs."