ECB Media Release: Cricket Chiefs call for change (14 October 1998)

14 October 1998

ECB Media Release: Cricket Chiefs call for change

From the ECB

Cricket's First Class County Chairmen and Chief Executives agreed some key changes to move the game forward at a special two day meeting of the First Class Forum (FCF) which finished today (Wednesday, October 14).

The FCF approved a home international playing programme of seven Test matches and 10 one day internationals from the year 2000 onwards; agreed, in principle, that an England squad should be contracted to the Board; opted for a 45 over two division National League in 1999 with three up and three down promotion and relegation; a NatWest trophy competition of 50 overs, as opposed to 60 overs, from 1999 and approved the further exploration of a two division County Championship and early season regional cricket.

Members of the FCF extensively debated the future of the First Class domestic game after hearing presentations on regional and two divisional formats amongst others and agreed that no change was not an option.

The FCF confirmed their commitment to the primacy of the national side but not at the expense of domestic First Class Cricket which remains an essential part of the fabric of the game.

David Morgan, Chairman of the FCF said: "I believe there was a real sense of a need for change. The excellent presentations from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) executives gave us a full picture of the state of the game and the options available to us and the members responded with some positive decisions and ideas."

Lord MacLaurin, Chairman of the ECB said: "This was a significant two days for Cricket in this country. We have embraced the need for change and had a lively and healthy debate about the way forward. I feel much more optimistic about the future of Cricket as our national summer sport."

Tim Lamb, ECB Chief Executive, said the expansion of the home international playing programme was very important - particularly for broadcasters.

"Television is by far the most effective way of promoting the game to the widest public - especially youngsters," said Lamb.

He added that the ECB needed to make the most of next year's World Cup in the UK: "to continue to attract the new faces of cricket and convert them into long term supporters of both the international and the county game."

The FCF had to weigh up the respective cricketing and marketing arguments in their consideration of the format of the National League, particularly in light of the success of 40 over floodlit cricket. They agreed 45 overs because it is closer to the standard international format than 40 overs and preserves the 15 over fielding restrictions.

The format is tried and tested in South Africa, who have a highly successful international one day side, where it has the support of the national selectors and of ground authorities who want to attract day/night crowds.

This format was also the favoured option of the County captains and was much preferred compared with 40 overs by the England coach and captain.

The reduction in the number of overs in the NatWest Trophy from 60 to 50 overs has the support of the sponsor, who recognise the importance of playing the competition to the standard one day international format. A later start to NatWest matches, particularly the final, will also help achieve a fairer balance between bat and ball in the early stages of the games.

The Group - chaired by Don Trangmar - looking into the contractual arrangements for current and future England players has been mandated to look further into the detail of the proposition.

Andrew Walpole, Media Relations Officer - 0385 527102

Source :: The ECB