A decision on the future structure of English county cricket’s premier competition has been delayed until after the current season concludes, leaving several clubs uncertain about their fate heading into the final round of matches.
The Professional Game Group, overseeing the restructuring process, has postponed the vote on whether to maintain the current two-division format or adopt a new 12-team Division One model. The delay stems from integrity concerns, as officials worry that teams facing potential relegation might field weakened sides if the threat were suddenly removed.
Voting forms will be distributed to counties next week, though the exact deadline remains unconfirmed. No announcement regarding the outcome will be made until the season concludes.
The proposed changes would see Division One expand to 12 teams divided into two pools of six, while Division Two would shrink to six clubs. This restructuring would reduce the number of championship matches from 14 to either 12 or 13 per team.
While counties have already agreed to reduce the Twenty20 Blast schedule following player recommendations, the championship reduction has proven more contentious. Several prominent clubs, including Surrey, Yorkshire, and Essex, have publicly opposed shortening the four-day competition after consulting their members.
The voting delay means teams like Durham, Hampshire, and Yorkshire will begin their final matches next week unaware whether relegation remains a possibility. Under the current system, Worcestershire face relegation, though the proposed changes would spare them.
Leicestershire and Glamorgan have secured promotion from Division Two regardless of the voting outcome.
