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Men's Domestic Structure Changes From 2020 in County Cricket - No overseas players in 50 overs comp

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From the ECB:

The 18 First-Class Counties have agreed to a number of proposals which will bring around changes to the men's domestic structure from 2020 onwards.

These proposals followed the appointment in the summer of the Men’s Domestic Playing Programme group (MDDP), chaired by Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan and drawn from different sections of the men’s county game and ECB.

The group was asked to consider four areas: i) the structure of the Specsavers County Championship, ii) the number of fixtures in the Vitality Blast, iii) the form of county cricket that should be played during the New Competition and, iv) a possible involvement of the Minor Counties.

It met four times and held a series of consultations across the country to further canvas opinion across the county game. This led to the following four proposals, in turn supported by ECB's Cricket Committee and now agreed to by the 18 First-Class Counties.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP: Each team will continue to play 14 matches. To achieve this, three teams will be promoted from Division Two in 2019 with one relegated from Division One. From 2020, promotion and relegation will revert to two-up, two-down. While not significantly affecting the 'best v best' principle in the top division, this change will provide an appropriate increase in security to Division One teams with a smaller percentage being relegated each season, and a correspondingly increased opportunity for Division Two teams as they will have a greater percentage chance of promotion. Due to the asymmetrical nature of 14 matches in a 10-team division a seeding system is being explored to optimise fairness, firstly in Division Two in 2019 followed by Division One from 2020 onwards.

50-OVER COMPETITION: From 2020, the county 50-over competition will be played during the New Competition, in July and August. The counties will be split into two groups of nine - not necessarily along existing North and South lines – and will play each of the other eight counties in their group [four at home and four away] before the top three qualify for the knockout stages. Overseas players will not be permitted to take part in the county 50-over competition.

T20 BLAST: The Vitality Blast will retain its current format, with the counties split into North and South Groups of nine teams each, and each team playing 14 fixtures – seven at home, and seven away. The top four will qualify for quarter finals, with the four winners qualifying for Finals Day at Edgbaston.
MINOR COUNTIES: From 2020, a new round of 50-over fixtures will be played before the domestic One-Day competition in mid-July, with each First-Class County visiting a Minor County.

Wasim Khan, the Leicestershire chief executive who chaired the Men’s Domestic Playing Programme Working Group, said: “It was critical throughout the process to consider a programme that was underpinned by three key principles: supporting sustained success for England teams, maintaining a vibrant domestic game and recognising the importance of red ball cricket.

"There were a number of areas up for discussion which showed the importance of extensively consulting with all 18 First-Class-Counties in a thorough and impartial process. We are very pleased that that there was unanimous support for a structure that will hopefully improve our domestic game and in turn the England teams."

Gordon Hollins, ECB Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was important that the process took in the views of all the stakeholders in the domestic game, especially the counties. After receiving unanimous agreement we will move forward with plans that will help ensure that our domestic game remains as vibrant as possible while producing players to help our England teams remain successful.”
 
So no overseas cricketers for 50 over comps.
 
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ECB NEWSROOM
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ECB announce new infrastructure funding for First-Class Counties to further boost fan experience
ECB NEWSROOM - Sep 25, 2019 12:17 BST


The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today announced a £25million increase to its Infrastructure Fund for First-Class Counties (FCCs) over the next five years.

This is in addition to the £50million of FCC infrastructure funding that ECB pledged earlier this year when launching its strategy for 2020-24: Inspiring Generations.

ECB’s Infrastructure Fund, now totalling £75milllion, will go directly towards helping the FCCs further maintain and improve facilities and operations, develop sustainable business plans and boost the in-venue experience for fans across all competitions.

The funding will also help the FCCs maintain the new venue standards that were recently introduced by the ECB Board. These standards are designed to ensure fans have a comfortable, safe and entertaining experience when attending a cricket match, across all formats.

ECB announced earlier this year that it will also provide £52million of grant funding to the recreational game specifically for clubs, urban cricket development, and women’s and girls’ cricket over the next five years.

Commenting on the announcement, ECB’s Chief Financial Officer, Scott Smith said:

“I’m delighted to announce this increase in infrastructure funding. The FCCs form the heart of cricket in England and Wales and it’s imperative that we support all the amazing work they do to provide fans, players and staff with the best facilities and experience.

“The additional funding demonstrates our commitment to partnering with the FCCs as they develop sustainable plans and work towards achieving their ambitions for their venues.”

Also commenting, Rob Andrew, CEO of Sussex County Cricket Club said:

“We’re really excited to work in partnership with ECB to further deliver top-class facilities for our fans, staff and players. We have been working on our masterplan to improve our facilities and make the ground more financially sustainable for the long term.

“It’s at venues like ours in Hove where children become inspired to pick up a bat and ball, new fans experience the excitement of live cricket and life-long supporters cheer on their local team with their friends and family.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all FCCs when I say that our priority is to ensure everyone visiting a cricket match thoroughly enjoys their experience. Having great facilities is big part of that and we look forward to working with ECB to further build on our offer for fans.”
 
The Yorkshire County Cricket Club can confirm that the men’s team will return early from their pre-season tour to Mumbai.

The squad, who were scheduled to return from India on Tuesday 24th March, will now return to the UK at the earliest possible opportunity.

Having monitored the situation regarding the Covid-19 virus, the Club has taken the decision to bring all players and staff back immediately. With England’s tour to Sri Lanka postponed earlier today, and the spread of the virus expected to continue, this was deemed as the only possible course of action.

The health of the players, support staff and their families come first. The Club will continue to monitor the situation surrounding the virus as plans for alternative preparations for the season are made.
 
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