THE future of domestic T20 cricket returns to the agenda this week as the first-class counties stage their latest meeting today (Monday) to discuss the way forward for the format.
Last September, 16 of the 19 clubs present (the 18 first-class counties plus the MCC), including Somerset, voted in favour of progressing with the idea of a new tournament that would begin in 2020.
Now the ECB are hoping to persuade the counties to vote in favour of changing the constitution that currently invites all 18 of them to participate in each competition.
This time, 41 organisations are to receive a vote - a number made up of both first-class and non-first-class counties in addition to the MCC and the Minor Counties Association.
If the constitutional adjustment is approved - which requires 31 votes in favour - it will pave the way for the creation of a new, city-based tournament comprising of eight new teams that would be staged at the largest grounds in the country.
This is likely to leave Taunton's County Ground faced with either hosting the occasional match as the home of a potential West Country-based team also incorporating Cardiff and Bristol, or simply being reduced to staging the existing T20 Blast - which would continue from 2020 under the new plans but would be heavily overshadowed by the new tournament.
Somerset Chief Executive Guy Lavender has said that he will not make a public comment until the club have consulted with Members, discussed the issue within the General Committee and formed the Club’s overall view.
The club's Chairman, Andy Nash, sent out a series of tweets on Saturday outlining his thoughts on the matter (see below).
1. SCCC is very strong. Perhaps THE strongest Club.Loyal passionate fans,great cricketers, superb ground,£ powerful. We are all right jack!
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
2. But Somerset needs 17 other Counties who are also thriving. At present many are struggling with huge debts and low attendances.
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
3. Cricket has new competitors eg WWE&Online gaming which are huge. Cricket needs a new growth strategy to remain relevant in the future.
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
4.As the current debate continues SCCC Members will think beyond what just works for us.It's not just about T20.It's much broader than that.
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
5.My personal preference has always been for County T20 brands. When the debate is over I will respect the majority decision and support it.
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
6. Cricket's debate isn't yet over. It will advance significantly by the end of April. We have to judge what's best long term for cricket🤔
— Andy Nash (@57deacon) March 25, 2017
As part of their consultation process, Somerset County Cricket Club are holding a Members event to discuss the proposals on Wednesday (March 29) at 6pm in the County Room.
Here at the County Gazette we also want to hear your thoughts on the future of T20 in England – leave your comments below, tweet us @CountyGazSport or join the debate on our Facebook page.
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