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3w ago

ECB Explores Domestic Cricket Reforms, Including County Championship Match Reductions

The England and Wales Cricket Board is conducting a collaborative review to address player workloads and improve competition structures, with changes expected by 2026.

Oval Invincibles (Photo: Getty)
Domestic cricket in the UK faces ongoing financial pressure (Photo: Getty)
The County Championship is seriously considering a shorter season (Photo: Getty)

Overview

  • The ECB is reviewing the domestic cricket schedule, with potential reductions in County Championship matches from 14 to 12 per team starting in 2026.
  • The review, led by ECB Managing Director Rob Andrew, aims to address concerns over player workloads and optimize the volume of cricket across all formats.
  • Unlike the 2022 high-performance review, this process emphasizes collaboration with counties, players, and stakeholders to achieve consensus on changes.
  • Discussions also include reducing matches in the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup, with a focus on refreshing competition formats.
  • The ECB has reassured stakeholders that the £520 million raised through The Hundred franchise sales remains secure, supporting broader cricket reforms.