Players want cut to 12 County Championship games, says PCA

The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has called for a reduction in both County Championship and Men's T20 Blast games, urging county chairs and CEOs to "prioritise the welfare" of players ahead of a vote on restructuring the domestic game from 2026 onwards.

A majority of male county cricketers in England and Wales favour reducing the number of Championship games played from 14 to 12, according to data collected by the PCA. The players' union is also recommending a cut to the Blast schedule to help ease the number of back-to-back fixtures which it believes put players at risk.

Players would also back a proposed move to a conference system for the Championship with a 12/6 split - two upper divisions of six above a lower division of six, with promotion and relegation as well as a grand final between the conference winners.

England allrounder Chris Woakes, the PCA's England Men's representative, said the call for change was not about playing "less cricket because they don't want to - it's about being able to produce the best cricket on the field as possible".

"Welfare is extremely important and not just players but coaches and staff," he said. "We need to get the scheduling right to give players the time to prepare, recover and make sure they're in the best state physically and mentally.

"The game is now played at a greater intensity and faster rate, especially in white-ball cricket. When you're having to play back-to-back games it's almost impossible to be at 100%. Having gaps between games and with safe travel is very important."

The ECB announced on the eve of the new season a review into the domestic structure - the third in the last seven years - overseen by the Professional Game Committee. Consultation has been ongoing, with a vote on the proposals expected later this month.

Recently, a number of counties have begun making their preferences public: Surrey and Somerset have called for maintaining 14 Championship games, with a return to eight teams in Division One and 10 in Division Two; Durham and Lancashire support the 12/6 conference plan, while Middlesex have backed sticking with the Championship as is, with two divisions and 10 teams in the top tier.

The PCA expressed concerns about the current schedule at the start of the summer, saying 83% of respondents to a survey cited physical concerns over their workload and 67% called the fixture list detrimental to their mental health.

Olly Hannon-Dalby, PCA chair, suggested that "a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option" and that it would "breathe new life" into the competition.

"We are at a critical moment regarding the future of professional cricketers in England and Wales," he said. "The schedule has always been a contentious issue and we have seen too many reviews with no change but the feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow.

"We understand the process is not straightforward and all counties have their own prerogative, however, the game needs to come to a consensus on a way forward to prioritise a duty of care to its players who are asking for reform, not just for their own health but also for an improved product on the field.

"We have over 400 male players and we recognise the different career paths available … to protect the majority, a change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world."

Daryl Mitchell, the PCA's chief executive, said: "Cricket has always been an incredibly innovative sport and relaunching the Blast and Championship with an optimum schedule would see clubs, supporters and players benefit from being involved in world-leading domestic cricket.

"We have been pleased the consultation has provided space for player views to be heard and there is a consensus that back-to-back Blast games need to be drastically eased with the aim for the competition to change to 12 regional group games.

"With the One Day Cup to stay alongside The Hundred, the congestion of the intense schedule cannot be improved enough by losing two 20-over games across a six-month season alone.

"As employers, every county needs to understand the player concerns while looking at the positive outcome a 12/6 split would have in the Championship. The welfare of the players should be at the heart of the decision-making process and we urge all county Chairs and CEOs to consider this when taking their vote.

"Ultimately, the right decision would serve to future-proof our game with clarity and commitment to a new era."