 Promotion in 2003 for Worcs, but things could change |
Christopher Martin-Jenkins has outlined radical new measures to improve the quality of the domestic game. A Test Match Special commentator, Martin-Jenkins would reduce the number of first class matches from 16 to 13 for each county.
He also wants to abolish the 45-over-per-side National League.
Meanwhile, the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) says teams should be restricted to just one overseas professional.
Writing in The Times, Martin-Jenkins says a maximum of 16 full-time professionals only should be contracted to a county and he insists on a salary cap.
He does not go so far as to reduce the number of first-class counties, however.
"The population of England and Wales, more than three times that of Australia, can accommodate 18 first-class teams," he says.
"These aspiring centres of excellence provide a conduit to the top of the game and as good a means as any for co-ordinating youth cricket in each area."
Martin-Jenkins would like to encourage finger-spinners and better batting techniques by returning to uncovered pitches - something not seen in English cricket since 1980.
His proposals regarding the Championship would be to play the competition in two halves.
The 18 counties would initially be divided into three geographical groups, playing five initial games.
They would then be separated into two divisions - with the top nine competing for the Championship proper and the bottom nine for the second division title.
All 18 counties would start each new season on equal terms and there would be much higher financial incentives for the players.
As for the PCA, they are seeking to put pressure on the First Class Forum which will soon decide on whether to retain the two overseas players allowance for 2005.
England selector Geoff Miller, one of many who opposed to the idea, told the PCA: "I can arrive at a ground and see two overseas batsmen on the field, being bowled at by an overseas bowler.
The Christopher Martin-Jenkins blueprint
- Ten-year experiment with uncovered pitches and run-ups
- Salary cap for counties: limit to number of full-time professionals
- Two-stage County Championship. Phase one: three grographic groups with five matches per team. Phase two: top nine counties from phase one go to first division, bottom nine to second division. Eight matches each.
- Scrap the National League. Keep Twenty20
- New early-season league based on six geographic regions to aid England selection. FIve two-day 200-over matches each.
MMIX
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