Time for three divisions?
I have been persuaded that a radical shake-up of county cricketΒ is needed.
After talking to several people involved at ECBΒ and county level, I have decided to write down what I thinkΒ should happen to the County Championship.
To accept this idea you do have to either agree that there are too many matches played at present or you areΒ at leastΒ as fed up as I am about the number of times changes are discussed.
I don't like the idea that the Championship should be reduced to create space in the schedule, but I do concede that whilst protecting the first-class game one cannot ignore the money which the shorter formats -Β most notably T20 -Β brings in.
What is wrong with two divisions? Not a lot in my opinion and the most recent seasons have created some terrific stories.
However, those of us who like to think of the Championship as being more than just a set of trial matchesΒ need to lead the debate and not follow it.
So here goes withΒ my solution.
I'm Kevin Howells, my main job is covering cricket and it is one of the best jobs in the world. I aim to convince as many as I can that the County Championship is as compelling and interesting as any other sport.
