Players Call For Tougher Domestic Structure - 03/05/2007

Comprehensive research findings, reflecting the views of the vast majority of professional players in England and Wales, have today been published by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).  The PCA, the representative body for past, present and future first class cricketers, reveals that players want to see changes to the structure of the domestic game and they believe that it should mirror international competition more closely.

The pre-season player poll generated responses from 320 players, some 80 per cent of county professionals, and strongly supported the findings from previous research in 2006.   Players accepted that while a perfect structure for the game is hard to achieve, with many differentials to take into account, some changes are needed to make cricket standards tougher. 

95 per cent of respondents called for the creation of a similar environment and competition format to that found in the international arena.  Further, 67 per cent of players believe that there should be just three competitions and 58 per cent feel the current structure is cluttered and hard to follow.

The research found that players want competitive cricket, all season long. They desire competitions that have intensity, integrity and that incentivise high playing standards throughout their entirety.

Further, some 88 per cent believe the domestic structure to be very important in developing the next generation of International cricketers.
Just 28 per cent of cricketers think they play too much county cricket with a large majority, 48 per cent, feeling they play 'slightly too much'.

Findings regarding four day cricket included:

• In the County Championship, 93 per cent believe it to be the breeding ground for future England Test cricketers.
• 95 per cent said that the divisional structure worked. Just one player polled disagreed.
• Players are split on how many games should be played, 45 per cent favouring 16 x 4, 21 per cent favoring 12,
• With 96 percent support, there was unanimous agreement that a reduction of overs from 104 to 96 was a necessity for sound cricketing reasons.  This would create three two hour sessions, and complement this year’s introduction of a new ball at 80 overs.  Importantly, it would bring it in line with Test match conditions and reflect overseas first class formats.
• 96 per cent agreed that the correct length of matches was based on a four day format.

Findings regarding one day cricket included:

• Just 22 per cent of cricketers felt that the new structures of forty and fifty over cricket worked well in 2006.
• 95 per cent feel the importance of good 50 over cricket is a necessity to develop cricketers for the next level and 93 per cent feel that a Lord's final is crucial.
• Players all expressed their love and enjoyment for the Twenty20, but believe the regional stages should allow for a symmetrical structure, where each county plays other sides twice.

Richard Bevan, PCA group chief executive, said: “The PCA has presented its views for a future structure to the ECB and will now also submit this comprehensive paper on these research findings to the ECB’s ongoing Domestic Structure Review Group.

“Ultimately, and with the next important broadcasting deal already on the horizon, the PCA feels it is imperative that long term strategies are developed and proper investment made for the domestic game at all levels.”

To download the full PCA document, click here.