PCA responds to 2026 schedule

The PCA has responded to the announcement of the full county cricket schedule for 2026, with Chair, Olly Hannon-Dalby and Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell commenting on the minimum standards for players.

Following the announcement of the 2025 fixture list, the PCA reported 54 instances of back-to-back T20 games across men’s and women’s county cricket, for 2026 this has reduced to six, with none in the women’s Blast. Following a clear mandate from current players, the Association has worked privately and publicly with the professional game to improve and prioritise the welfare of players across all formats.

In September, the ECB announced the Rothesay County Championship structure would remain at a 14-game season following a vote by the county Chairs. Described as an “unsatisfactory outcome” by Hannon-Dalby at the time, this has led to the summer culminating with six consecutive four-day games and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final all starting within a congested five-week window.

PCA Chair, Hannon-Dalby, said: “There is a lot to digest with so many components providing considerable challenges for all, especially in the wake of a County Championship structure that remains unchanged. In the men’s Blast, it is clear there is significant progress with the flagship Finals Day taking place ahead of The Hundred, a vastly improved schedule and less travel. For the first time in a number of years, I feel the men’s Blast will have the energy and priority within the schedule to show everybody just how great this competition is.

“The Vitality Blast lining up on an equal platform with men’s and women’s teams is something I’m very passionate about and is absolutely the right way to grow the game. We’ve seen the success in The Hundred and double headers should be an opportunity to attract bigger crowds for all.

“The opening to the season has been relatively consistent for a few years and while it is challenging, we maintain a minimum of three days between four-day games for vital rest, recuperation and preparation. While we understand the intricacies, the Championship block at the end of the season is concerning. At a time when many counties have threadbare squads, to start six four-day games and a 50-over final in the space of five weeks is so far from optimum it is something that needs addressing.

“We will actively be canvassing opinion on how we could avoid this congestion in the future with options such as starting the season slightly earlier or ending it later. Conversations need to continue to prioritise the wellbeing of its players.”

PCA Chief Executive, Mitchell, said: “The PCA has worked tirelessly alongside the professional game with the aim to improve standards for players across all formats. The Vitality Blast competitions for 2026 highlight considerable improvements with a real energy injected into them.

“Players want to be at their optimum levels to perform at their best in county cricket’s flagship T20 competition and a significant reduction of back-to-back fixtures across the men’s and women’s Blast, alongside more men’s and women’s double headers and reduced travel in the men’s game will allow this.

“Unfortunately, the County Championship schedule does raise concerns with player burnout with mental and physical dangers attached to an overly intense end to the season following the conclusion of The Hundred.

“The reduction of just one game could have gone a long way to resolving a period that does not look manageable for the majority. I already fear this section of the season. This is through no fault of the schedulers, but the decision by the county Chairs to not allow for sufficient minimum standards regarding time between games has meant we have a period of 12 days of Championship cricket in just over two weeks with some lengthy travel for the majority.”