Latest news with #ProfessionalCricketersAssociation
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
County Championship should be cut to 12 games
Cutting the County Championship from 14 games to 12 is the "only reasonable option" to protect welfare and improve standards, according to the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA). A review into the structure of the domestic game, aiming to implement changes next season, is due to conclude in the coming weeks. A reduction in the T20 Blast from the current system of two groups playing 14 games, to three groups playing 12 games, is set to be agreed. But the future of the Championship is less clear, with a number of options on the table. The status quo of 10 teams in the top flight and eight in the second tier could remain. The divisions could be flipped, to eight in Division One and 10 in Division Two. Either structure could include 14 or 12 games per season. Another option would be to have a 12-team top flight, split into conferences of six, with a second tier of six teams. The champions would be decided by a play-off between the winners of the two top-tier conferences, with one of the two promotion places from the second tier decided by a play-off between teams finishing second and third. This system would mean 12 games for every county and a 13th for those involved in play-off matches. The PCA prefers the conference model, but would also support the traditional divisional structure, as long as either is played over 12 games per county. It points to research carried out among players, where 83% said the current schedule caused concern for their physical wellbeing and 67% have worries for the mental health. "The schedule has always been a contentious issue," said PCA chair and Warwickshire seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby. "The feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow. "A change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world." Durham offer support to county cricket shake-up Any change to the domestic structure would have to be approved by 12 of the 18 first-class counties. There are no plans to alter the One-Day Cup, which is played alongside The Hundred in August. Some counties have already publicly expressed their preferred options. Surrey and Somerset have supported an eight-team top flight and 10-team second tier, retaining 14 games per season. Middlesex have backed the status quo: 10 teams in Division One, eight in Division Two and 14 games. Durham and Lancashire have thrown their weight behind the 12-team top flight, while Worcestershire have supported both the conference and 10-team first division. In 2022, a high-performance review led by former England captain Andrew Strauss proposed cutting both the Championship and Blast to 10 games each. The review was widely rejected by the counties. Whereas that review was undertaken by the England and Wales Cricket Board, this latest work has been led by the counties in order to find an optimum set-up for clubs and players. It was felt now is an opportune time to act for a number of reasons: a new women's professional structure has been implanted and major matches have been allocated to venues for the foreseeable future. Most importantly, money due from sales of stakes of teams in The Hundred should take financial pressure off the counties. However, given the two-thirds majority required to enact change, along with the competing priorities and opinions, the status quo could remain simply because a consensus cannot be reached. Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
County Championship should be cut to 12 games
Cutting the County Championship from 14 games to 12 is the "only reasonable option" to protect welfare and improve standards, according to the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA).A review into the structure of the domestic game, aiming to implement changes next season, is due to conclude in the coming weeks.A reduction in the T20 Blast from the current system of two groups playing 14 games, to three groups playing 12 games, is set to be the future of the Championship is less clear, with a number of options on the status quo of 10 teams in the top flight and eight in the second tier could remain. The divisions could be flipped, to eight in Division One and 10 in Division Two. Either structure could include 14 or 12 games per option would be to have a 12-team top flight, split into conferences of six, with a second tier of six teams. The champions would be decided by a play-off between the winners of the two top-tier conferences, with one of the two promotion places from the second tier decided by a play-off between teams finishing second and system would mean 12 games for every county and a 13th for those involved in play-off PCA prefers the conference model, but would also support the traditional divisional structure, as long as either is played over 12 games per points to research carried out among players, where 83% said the current schedule caused concern for their physical wellbeing and 67% have worries for the mental health."The schedule has always been a contentious issue," said PCA chair and Warwickshire seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby."The feeling in recent seasons due to ever-increasing intensity of fixtures has led the game to a position where positive action has to be taken immediately and as an opportunity for the game to grow."A change in format of the County Championship to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what I believe would become the best red-ball competition in the world." Any change to the domestic structure would have to be approved by 12 of the 18 first-class counties. There are no plans to alter the One-Day Cup, which is played alongside The Hundred in counties have already publicly expressed their preferred and Somerset have supported an eight-team top flight and 10-team second tier, retaining 14 games per have backed the status quo: 10 teams in Division One, eight in Division Two and 14 and Lancashire have thrown their weight behind the 12-team top flight, while Worcestershire have supported both the conference and 10-team first 2022, a high-performance review led by former England captain Andrew Strauss proposed cutting both the Championship and Blast to 10 games each. The review was widely rejected by the that review was undertaken by the England and Wales Cricket Board, this latest work has been led by the counties in order to find an optimum set-up for clubs and was felt now is an opportune time to act for a number of reasons: a new women's professional structure has been implanted and major matches have been allocated to venues for the foreseeable importantly, money due from sales of stakes of teams in The Hundred should take financial pressure off the given the two-thirds majority required to enact change, along with the competing priorities and opinions, the status quo could remain simply because a consensus cannot be reached.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
PSL postponed indefinitely as IPL suspends matches for a week amid growing hostilities between India and Pakistan
The Pakistan Super League has postponed its season indefinitely hours after the Indian Premier League confirmed that all its matches will be suspended for one week, amid escalating tensions in the region. The Pakistan Cricket Board initially said that the PSL season will be concluded in the United Arab Emirates, but have now taken a more extreme measure. Tensions have escalated sharply following Indian missile strikes that killed at least 26 people in disputed Kashmir last weekend, which Pakistan has vowed to avenge. In a statement, the IPL confirmed that updates regarding a new schedule and venues will be announced in due course following consultations with stakeholders and franchisees. It added: 'While the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India ] reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation.' Ten English players are currently playing in the IPL, with seven more in Pakistan. All the latter are involved in a WhatsApp group, which has been used to discuss the ongoing situation and share information. The Professional Cricketers' Association has been offering logistical assistance and support, keeping players informed with up to date security details and government advice. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been monitoring official channels. The process of facilitating the departures of overseas players from India has already begun, and the PA news agency understands that a number of English players have already left. Tom Moffat, the chief executive of the World Cricketers' Association, told the PA news agency: 'It has been concerning to see the situation unfold in India and Pakistan and we hope that the situation de-escalates as soon as possible. 'Cricket is secondary to the health and safety of the people in both countries, including the players competing in the IPL and PSL. 'WCA and our member associations have been in regular contact with impacted players and assisting with advice to help with their individual decisions, supported by our expert security consultants.' 'We are pleased both events have acted on concerns raised.' The PCB said it had made its decision to attempt to conclude its competition in the UAE as a consequence of India allegedly targeting the match between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening with a surveillance drone. It follows the postponement of a match on Thursday between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi that involved three English players – James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood. Confirming the switch to Dubai, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi added: 'The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. 'However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India.'
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
IPL suspends matches for a week after PSL moves games to United Arab Emirates
The Indian Premier League has confirmed that all its matches will be suspended with immediate affect for one week due to escalating tensions in the region. The IPL's announcement follows confirmation from the Pakistan Cricket Board that the Pakistan Super League season will be concluded in the United Arab Emirates. Tensions have escalated sharply following Indian missile strikes that killed at least 26 people in disputed Kashmir last weekend, which Pakistan has vowed to avenge. In a statement, the IPL confirmed that updates regarding a new schedule and venues will be announced in due course following consultations with stakeholders and franchisees. It added: 'While the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the Board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation.' Ten English players are currently playing in the IPL, with seven more in Pakistan. All the latter are involved in a WhatsApp group, which has been used to discuss the ongoing situation and share information. The Professional Cricketers' Association has been offering logistical assistance and support, keeping players informed with up to date security details and government advice. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also been monitoring official channels. The process of facilitating the departures of overseas players from India has already begun, and the PA news agency understands that a number of English players have already left. Tom Moffat, the chief executive of the World Cricketers' Association, told the PA news agency: 'It has been concerning to see the situation unfold in India and Pakistan and we hope that the situation de-escalates as soon as possible. 'Cricket is secondary to the health and safety of the people in both countries, including the players competing in the IPL and PSL. 'WCA and our member associations have been in regular contact with impacted players and assisting with advice to help with their individual decisions, supported by our expert security consultants.' 'We are pleased both events have acted on concerns raised.' The PCB said it had made its decision to attempt to conclude its competition in the UAE as a consequence of India allegedly targeting the match between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening with a surveillance drone. It follows the postponement of a match on Thursday between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi that involved three English players – James Vince, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Luke Wood. Confirming the switch to Dubai, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi added: 'The PCB has always stood by the position that politics and sports need to be kept apart. 'However, in view of the extremely irresponsible and dangerous Indian act of targeting the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, which was manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X, the PCB has decided to shift the remaining matches to UAE so that the domestic as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India.'
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
‘Twitchy' English players split on staying in Pakistan amid India conflict
English players are split on whether to remain in Pakistan and play cricket, after India launched nine air strikes over the Kashmiri border. India's actions followed an attack by Islamist militants on Hindu tourists that killed 26 people in Indian Kashmir two weeks ago. With fears the conflict could escalate into war between the nations, the English contingent in Pakistan Super League face a decision over whether to remain in the country. The England & Wales Cricket Board and Professional Cricketers Association held an emergency call on Wednesday morning to discuss the situation. At this stage players are not being advised to come home. While most players are currently intending to remain in Pakistan, Telegraph Sport understands several are exploring their options and could return home. A total of seven English players – James Vince, Tom Curran, Sam Billings, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Luke Wood and Tom Kohler-Cadmore – are playing in this year's PSL, which is due to finish on May 18. There is also a sprinkling of English coaches, including Ravi Bopara and Alexandra Hartley. As things stand, the bulk of this group are expected to stay in Pakistan. Several of the English contingent told Telegraph Sport that they are satisfied with the security arrangements and advice and see no need to leave the competition. 'It's fine for now – we are safe,' said one England international cricketer. Any players leaving the tournament early would face a financial blow, with the fees for the competition paid per game. But the financial damage would be relatively minimal, with teams in the competition having only one or two of their group games remaining. The group stage concludes on May 11, so some players exploring their options might be unable to get flights out of the country before then. The official advice to players from the PSL is that it is safe to continue playing. The bulk of overseas players are expected to stay in the country. 'On the assumption things have settled and air space is opening up, the security advisors seem a little relaxed,' said one agent who represents several overseas players in Pakistan. He admitted some players were 'twitchy' about continuing to play in the tournament. 'It's business as usual but obviously if anything else happens in the next 24 hours you'd imagine people will just want to leave. 'I don't see – at this moment in time – a huge exodus.'
