The Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival 2021 was cancelled this morning due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney.

The famous carnival attracts 260 cricket-mad youngsters and some celebrity parents and would have featured 22 associations as it did last year. It fills up hotels and motels and bring revenue to the cafes and shops.

Marist Brothers Cricket Club President and 2021 Carnival Coordinator Glen Lees said the decision to cancel the 37th carnival was not taken lightly.

Of the 22 associations who had wanted to play the carnival next month, 12 were from the greater Sydney area.

"Obviously the news over the past few days with the Covid outbreak on the Northern Beaches and the inter-State travel restrictions being imposed on the Greater Sydney area have thrown our carnival plans into chaos. I have been monitoring the situation and discussing the updates with our local stakeholders to an get an idea on how to proceed," said Lees on the Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival 2021 Facebook page.

"It is with much regret that I must announce that the carnival will be cancelled as the news and restrictions look grimmer and grimmer. The next major update from the Premier Berejiklian is due on Wednesday, but particularly given most of our teams need to confirm/change travel plans I believe it is better to make the decision now.

"This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. We understand the level of planning, commitment and expense it takes teams to organise to attend an event such as this, by volunteers and parents alike.

"The Carnival is also a major boost for our local economy in Lismore, something else we are disappointed in not providing for our local businesses.

"I am mostly disappointed for the players who are going to miss out on being part of a great week of cricket, but in the grand scheme of things there are more important issues at the moment.

"In finishing, I hope everyone gets through this next phase of the pandemic safely, and can only hope that things get better for everyone in 2021."

Lismore & District Cricket Association members and volunteers provide the food for the hungry youngsters in the Under 12s Cricket Carnival at Oakes Oval.

Parramatta broke North Shore's domination of the carnival in January and were looking forward to defending their title.

It is only the second time the carnival, hosted by Lismore District Junior Cricket Association, has had to be cancelled. Lismore's flood in 2018 being the first occasion.

"This will not stop our carnival forever - we will look to be back in 2022," said Lees.