Durham has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to revolutionize English domestic cricket, aiming to address player fatigue and enhance the competitiveness of the sport. The proposal includes the introduction of a rugby-style Grand Final to determine the County Championship champion.

Key Changes Proposed by Durham

• New Division Structure: The current two-division championship would be replaced by two upper divisions of six teams each and a lower division of six teams.
• Grand Final: The top team from each upper division would compete in a five-day Grand Final, which Durham predicts could become "the first £1m domestic red-ball match."
• Promotion and Relegation: The lower division teams would compete for two promotion spots, with one team from each upper division being relegated.
• Fixture Schedule: Each county would play 12 games, facing the other five teams in their group home and away, plus two inter-group games.

Addressing Player Fatigue

Durham's proposal comes in response to a Professional Cricketers' Association survey, which found that:

• 83% of players believe the current schedule harms physical wellbeing.
• 72% think it hinders high performance.
• Over two-thirds claim mental health is affected by the intensity of the season.

T20 Blast Adjustments

The proposal also suggests reducing the size of the T20 Blast to three groups of six teams each, with the entire competition concluding before The Hundred begins.

Statements from Durham Chairman

Phil Collins, Durham's chairman, emphasized the need for more meaningful fixtures and reduced workload:

• "We support the 18-county model but believe the current 10/8 division structure lacks meaningful fixtures as the season progresses."
• "These proposals aim to reduce workload, enhance performance, and offer more compelling cricket. We believe they represent the best way forward."

Next Steps

The proposal will be discussed at a members' forum on 30 July. The ECB has been approached for comment.

Conclusion

Durham's bold plan seeks to rejuvenate county cricket, making it more exciting for fans and sustainable for players. The introduction of a Grand Final and a revised division structure could mark a new era for the sport in England.