THE countdown to the cricket season has given rise to fears Welsh clubs could be prohibited from participating.

Currently Newtown, Alberbury, Montgomery, Welshpool, Llanidloes and Guilsfield all compete in the Henshalls Shropshire Cricket League.

However differing lockdown easing restrictions in Wales compared to England could see Montgomeryshire clubs miss out on the opening fixtures.

English cricket clubs have been given the green light to resume from March 29 while Welsh clubs have been given no such guidance from their own authorities.

The Henshalls Shropshire League starts on April 24 – just 48 hours after a review of Welsh sport restrictions is scheduled to take place.

It has led to growing fears Welsh clubs could miss out on the opening round of fixtures.

One anonymous club official praised the Henshalls Shropshire League for being supportive to its Welsh clubs but feared without restrictions being eased on Welsh clubs sooner it would mean they remained "in limbo."