Championship changes could be delayed or shelved

If any changes are made to the County Championship, they might not be implemented until 2027.

The 18 top-class counties have been conducting internal structural analysis this year with the intention of implementing changes in 2026.

Although a T20 Blast reduction was agreed in August, there hasn’t been much consensus on the Championship’s future.

The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) supported a number of proposals to reduce the current 14 matches to a 12-game schedule, but several counties opposed them.

A 12-game schedule is therefore off the table.

The county chairs on Tuesday discussed the options of 14 matches and 13 matches.

There has also been discussion about postponing any potential changes until 2027.

That is due to the desire to make the best possible decision, as well as the approaching end of the current season. Next week will see the start of the final three matches.

The 18 counties would be divided into a 12-team top division, with six in the bottom division, for a 13-game season.

Each of the 12 Division One teams would play the other teams twice in their respective groups, divided into two groups. The top and bottom halves of the groups would then be divided, allowing each team to play the three counties in the opposing halves. The county with the most points would be the champion.

The players’ preference for one-game reduction draws attention from supporters of the change. A 12-team top flight gives more counties the chance to win the Championship, while a six-team second tier gives more counties the chance to advance when they frequently find themselves languishing.

However, there is also the impression that the proposals are too complicated and that a 12-team top tier does not offer enough “best v best” coverage.

Twelve out of the 18 counties would have to vote in favor of any structural change.

Given the number of counties that have publicly endorsed keeping a 14-game season, that seems increasingly unlikely.

That would result in a system that is still in place: 10 first division teams, 8 second division teams, and 14th-place teams overall.

A vote may be scheduled in the coming days and county chairs will continue to discuss issues.

Later on Wednesday, the PCA will give its members an update on the situation. The players’ body stated in July that reducing the number of matches to 12 was the “only reasonable option.”

The PCA is in favor of the reduction to 13 matches now that that is not being taken into account.