In a recent vote, the 18 first-class counties in England opted to maintain the current structure of the County Championship, rejecting a proposal aimed at reforming the competition. The key objectives of the proposal were to make the competition more vibrant and exciting, enticing for players and fans alike. It proposed slashing the first-class fixture schedule down from what it is now.
The PCA—players’ union the Professional Cricketers’ Association—had long campaigned for 12 first-class matches per player. Their latest plan called for a 12-team first division with six relegation-eligible clubs making up a second tier. As part of this format, each franchise will play in 13 matches. Within the bottom tier, it would be unbalanced scheduling with teams playing two opponents home and away and three opponents home or away three times. This initiative greatly increases that competition. Further, it reduces the chance of boring blowouts as the season comes to a close.
Unsurprisingly, supporters of the reform thought the changes would increase excitement for the Championship. They believed that this would ensure more teams remained in contention well into the deep summer months. Under the proposal, the 12 premier clubs would be divided into two six-team divisions. Each division will then dramatically battle each other in a thrilling round-robin series of ten preliminary games. Following this phase, we’ll further split the two cohorts. This will line up two fresh cadre of six squads, each competing for Championship and relegation bids.
That majority of 12 counties was needed to make these improvements happen. The Democratic vote to unionize didn’t even have majority support. In response, the County Championship will remain nine teams in each division for Division One and Division Two. Every year a new pair of teams comes up and another goes down among these ranks.
Daryl Mitchell, a Pennsylvania chapter representative for the PCA, is disappointed at what happens next.
“The outcome of the men’s domestic structure review fails to support the demands put on elite professional cricketers.” – Daryl Mitchell
He explained in more detail what it would mean to keep business as usual.
“The decision makers have failed to ensure our premiere red-ball competition remains a standout in world cricket by evolving, not just to meet the needs of modern professionals, but to provide a product that captures the imagination for all.” – Daryl Mitchell
Worcestershire, meanwhile, will be looking to cement their place in Division Two for the 2019 campaign. Their rejection of this reform is indicative of the fierce competition within English cricket. The counties now face renewed discussions on how best to evolve their structure while balancing tradition with the demands of contemporary cricket.
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