Shaping the Future of County Cricket Together

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Why Change Is Necessary to Safeguard Our Future 

The game we all love faces growing pressures, from congested calendars to dwindling attendance in some formats. Without measured changes, we risk harming the quality of cricket and the well-being of those who play and deliver it.

Across counties and the ECB, there is clear recognition that the current structure is not sustainable. The goal now is to ensure that any change protects what matters most: great cricket, a healthy game, and the experience for Members.

 

Player Welfare

Our players are proud to represent Worcestershire, but the intensity and frequency of games is taking a toll.

According to a consultation by the PCA:
• 83% are concerned about physical health
• 67% worry about mental well-being
• 72% believe the current schedule does not support high performance

If we want to continue watching our best players at their best, and nurture the next generation of Pears talent, we must act now to give them the environment they need to thrive.

 

Engagement and Attendance 

You may have noticed smaller crowds at certain fixtures. That’s not just happening here at Visit Worcestershire New Road, it’s a national trend. Nationally, The Vitality Blast has seen declining numbers, and the County Championship struggles to attract new fans.

Many believe smarter scheduling and more competitive formats can bring fans back, and bring younger generations in.
 

Operational Pressures 

Our ground staff, coaching teams, and operations departments work wonders, but they’re under increasing strain. Imagine preparing a garden for three different seasons at once. The same applies to managing pitches across multiple formats while hosting Worcestershire men’s and women’s cricket, and additionally internationals.
 

Principles Guiding the Proposals 

These principles are shaped by a deep respect for cricket’s traditions and the role Members play in the game. Preserving this heritage is non-negotiable.

The Domestic Playing Programme (DPP) Steering Group has evaluated all proposals based on three guiding principles:
1. Safeguarding player health and enhancing match quality
2. Rebuilding audiences through more engaging, competitive cricket.
3. Respecting traditions and ensuring members’ voices remain central
 

Vitality Blast – What’s Being Proposed 

There’s a clear aim to refresh and revive the T20 competition, which has been losing momentum. The suggested changes are:

• A tournament from mid-May through to July, finishing before The Hundred.
• Three regionalised groups of six, keeping traditional rivalries like our clashes with Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.
• Regional groups also make travel easier for members and supporters.
• 12 matches per team (10 in-group, 2 inter-group).
• Fixtures are better spread out to allow recovery time and maximise weekend attendance.
• Quarter-Finals and Finals Day scheduled for July, increasing the availability of top players.

We generally support the recommendations, but believe stronger marketing of the Blast is vital for its future success. While we are cautious about losing one of our commercially strong home matches, we feel the regional model is likely to boost attendances and distribute fixtures more effectively.

 

Metro Bank 50 

It is expected that there will be no change to the current format for a minimum of three years.

 

County Championship – Options on the Table 

Five structural models have been proposed. While most aim to reduce the number of games, they differ in structure and impact.

Option 1

Maintain the current two-division system (14 games), essentially keeping the status quo, with some suggesting a return to an 8-team 1st Division (10-team 2nd Division) to raise the standard of cricket in Div 1. This approach is unlikely to be popular with most, including us, due to the greater difficulty of entering and staying in Division 1. We also believe this does not address the core issue: 1. Safeguarding player health and improving match quality. 

Option 2

Same as current structure, 10 team Division 1 and 8 team Division 2, but only 12 games. Working on the principle that the current system isn’t broken but requires some adjustments. We don’t believe the system is broken, but we understand the main reasons for reducing the overall amount of cricket. Internally, we are reasonably supportive of this model. 

Option 3

Two-tier conferences plus Finals Series (13 games). The top 12 teams are divided into two groups of six, each playing 10 matches. The top three from each group then enter a brief September league to determine the champion. The remaining teams compete for promotion or relegation. We believe this approach could be very difficult to schedule effectively and follow for members and supporters. Internally, we do not support this model.  

Option 4

Conference model with a final match (12+1 games). Similar to Option C, but it concludes with a single winner-takes-all match instead of a finals series. It is easier to schedule and follow than option 3. One of the two most consistent teams in the country throughout the year will win the County Championship. Additionally, teams have a two in six chance of moving out of the bottom league. We are reasonably supportive of this model internally.  

Option 5

Three groups of six teams with playoffs (12 matches). No promotion or relegation. All teams start the season with a chance to win the Championship. Internally, we are concerned about removing the best versus best and the promotion/relegation system, which has previously added excitement. Therefore, we do not support this model.

Option	Structure	Matches	Pros	Concerns	Club Position
1	Current 2 Div	14	Familiar	Doesn’t solve issues	Not preferred
2	2 Div (10/8)	12	Minor tweaks only	Slight loss of games	Supported
3	2-Tier + Finals	13	Innovative	Complicated, unclear	Not supported
4	Conf + Final	13	Simple, fair	Less jeopardy	Supported
5	3 Groups + Playoffs	12	Equal start	No relegation	Not supported

 

From the five options above we believe option 2 and 4 offer the best outcome given the guiding principles.

What Happens Next 

We Want to Hear From You

We’ll be hosting an online forum on Tuesday 8 July at 6pm via the Club website and YouTube channel, and you’re warmly invited. Your thoughts, questions, and concerns are central to shaping the final outcome. Please submit your questions below so we can address them during the session.

Additionally, the Domestic Playing Programme (DPP) Steering Group will be meeting to further review the options following further consultation with the counties, ahead of making recommendations to the Professional Game Board in July.

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