The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) is currently in the midst of potential strike action. This, after its original members voted on proposals to radically reduce the structure of the County Championship, only for a majority not to be found in favour. Daryl Mitchell, the chief executive of the PCA, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the reversal. This decision will preserve the status quo format for at least one more season.
In the final vote, 12 of the required 18 counties had to approve a new Interstate for it to go through. In a surprising outcome, the results were a draw, with nine votes in support of change and nine opposed. The competition will be further restructured in 2026, but the format of the County Championship will remain unchanged. In addition to each team playing 14 matches in the top tier, eight teams will try and avoid relegation in a second-tier league.
The original intent of the review was to set a calendar that would not be changed until the 2031 season. Proposed amendments even had the 12-team top division split into two groups of six. Several counties preferred cutting Championship matches down to as low as 10. Other parties argued strongly for the minimum remaining at 14 matches.
The proposed format suggested that the top three teams from each group would enter playoff matches for the Championship title, while the bottom three teams would face relegation battles. Unfortunately, this vision didn’t get enough support from county lobbyists.
Mitchell pointed out that five groups of playing staff had come forward in favour of keeping a 14-match season. This agreement between all the actors suggests their shared understanding that what the current county schedule provides is not working for them.
“The over-riding view from players was that the county schedule is not fit for purpose and change was definitely sought by the majority of our members.” – Daryl Mitchell
Despite the disappointment, Mitchell is still insistent that the issue will have to be taken up again soon. He agreed that players’ voices should continue to inform debates about the Championship’s format going forward.
“We will be led by the players.” – Daryl Mitchell
Mitchell did not rule out the prospect of players opting for strike action if their grievances are allowed to fester unacknowledged any longer. He affirmed that unions like the PCA cannot write blank checks to politicians, or leave their members hanging.
“We are a union. I don’t think any union would rule out the possibility of strike action if their members wanted it.” – Daryl Mitchell
Yet, he was clear that he didn’t want to go that far. He expressed a broader concern that if the two counties were to strike, it would damage the reputation of the game.
“I don’t think that’s where we’d like to get to. It would have a negative impact on the counties and a negative impact on the game, and that’s not something we’re seeking to do.” – Daryl Mitchell
Mitchell is betting that few counties will be willing to wait as long as 2031 for local tax relief. He cautions that players and stakeholders may start getting antsy if big changes aren’t brewing in the very near future.
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