The LV= County Championship match between Leicestershire and Derbyshire at Grace Road, which was due to start tomorrow, has been postponed after Derbyshire wicketkeeper Tom Poynton was involved in a serious road accident in which his father, Keith, was killed.
As a mark of respect, the game will now take place from Sunday 8 June, with the ECB giving its blessing to the decision.
The accident happened yesterday evening when the Derbyshire gloveman was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was admitted and retained overnight with a suspected fracture and other associated injuries.
Derbyshire chief executive Simon Storey said: "We are a small close-knit group here at Derbyshire and Tom's dad was well-known to our players and coaching staff.
"We are still trying to come to terms with the devastating news and at the moment our concerns are solely with Tom and his family at this difficult time.
"We are deeply indebted to the chairman, chief executive and director of cricket at Leicestershire CCC, who have supported the decision to postpone the game. I am very sorry to everyone who was looking forward to the opening fixture."
The second XI friendly fixture between Derbyshire and Leicestershire at the 3aaa County Ground, which was due to begin on Monday, has also been postponed and will be moved to a date to be agreed.
The Club extends deepest sympathies to Tom Poynton and his family at their devastating loss. All our thoughts are with the Poynton family.
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) April 5, 2014