The Bermuda Cricket Board is hoping the after-effects of Hurricane Ernesto will not be severe enough to interrupt the start of the Athene T20 League fixtures in the Premier Division and First Division on Sunday.

Six matches are slated for three venues — Southampton Oval, White Hill Field and PHC Field — to mark the commencement of the new T20 format, which is being played over a single round-robin this season.

With the storm predicted to pummel the island as a Category 2 hurricane on Saturday morning, it could leave a trail of destruction to essential infrastructure.

“We’re not cancelling things as of now,” said Cal Blankendal, the BCB executive director. “We’ll probably look at the update on Thursday or early Friday morning since our next round of matches are on Sunday.’’

The Eastern Counties Cup second round between Bailey’s Bay and St David’s, scheduled for Lord’s on Saturday, is most likely not to go ahead. Since there are no reserve days for the competition, this would pave way for Bay to head into the August 31 final where Flatts Victoria lie in wait.

Last September, the final between Bay and Cleveland County became a victim of strong overnight winds from post-Tropical Storm Idalia, which left Sea Breeze Oval in a mess. This saw Gus Logie’s side extend their reign as champions.

On Tuesday, the Eastern County Cricket Association urged plot holders to remove any loose items that could pose a danger when the storm hits the island.

“We are keeping an eye on this storm and although we want the game to go on, we know that safety comes first,’’ the ECCA said in a statement.

“Spot tarps and any loose items are to be removed by Wednesday August 14 as a precaution for the oncoming storm. ECCA and host club St David’s will not be liable for any damages.”

Blankendal and his team at the BCB are keeping their fingers crossed, with the hope that they do not lose any match day, as the cricket season heads into its last weeks.

“We are not Eastern Counties, we still have time to review the impact of the storm,’’ he said.

“There could be a change and if not, the games would be called off. It’s too early for us. We’ll wait for the closest point possible. There could be no damage; that’s what we’re hoping for.

“There’s no need for us call off matches at this stage; we can do it on the day. No one is going to leave their home to dash to a cricket game if there’s been some heavy winds.”