Association officials have their eyes set on November 6 as the start date for the senior and junior grades.
All matches in each grade of the 2021-22 season — which was planned to begin at the weekend — will become one-day games.
But there is one roadblock that stands in the way.
Under the Victorian Government road map, community sport can't resume until the state has reached its 80 per cent total vaccinated target — which is projected to be on November 5.
Cricket Shepparton member clubs were notified that if Victoria ticked off that target, then the Haisman Shield — along with B, C, D, E, under-16 and under-14 grades — would commence the following day.
The latest the Haisman Shield grand final can be played on is March 26, while the under-14 and under-16 deciders will be played on March 14.
The under-12A season is tipped to begin on November 10, while there is no planned start date yet for the under-12B and under-10 competitions.
"We sent out an email to all of our clubs on Sunday (October 3) with an update on where things stand," Cricket Shepparton president Dave D'Elia said.
"Victoria is expected to reach the 80 per cent double vaccinated target on November 5, so we'll draw out the 13-round season to start on November 6.
"If we can, we will kick off on (November 6), but if Victoria doesn't reach that target, then we'll pick up round one fixtures and shift them to after round 13.
"Each grade, from seniors down to juniors, will be one-day games too."
D'Elia said Cricket Shepparton would have three spare weekends up its sleeve to accommodate for any washouts, heatouts or COVID-19 outbreaks.
Cricket Shepparton's Twenty20 matches are tipped to be contested throughout December and January, however, D'Elia said more needed to be ironed out.
The president said he was awaiting an update from Cricket Victoria about the possibility of a vaccine mandate for players and umpires.
North of the Murray River, Cricket NSW has already announced all players must be double vaccinated to play cricket until NSW reaches its 90 per cent double-dosed target.
"Cricket NSW has announced a 'no jab no play' rule and the MVCA has had to adopt that for the start of their season," D'Elia said.
"We are waiting to hear back from Cricket Victoria if this will be brought in."
Meanwhile, the Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League is ramping up preparations for its season.
D'Elia expects the Twenty20 competition to begin on December 5.
"At this stage the draft will be held on November 26 and we have circled December 5 as the date for the opening round," he said.
"We have a meeting this week and more information will be released later this week."
12°C