ECB Articles of Association scorecard so far

Five for, one against, ECB T20 proposal to date.

Press Association.

Thursday, 13 April 2017.

PTG 2104-10670.

Middlesex have opposed plans for the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) new eight-team Twenty20 tournament and will not be involved following the ECB's annual general meeting at Lord’s next month. However, Derbyshire have become the fifth county to back the proposal, Sussex, Somerset, Yorkshire and Leicestershire previously confirming they will endorse the city-based competition which is set to take place in 2020 (PTG 2100-10643, 10 April 2017).

Middlesex chairman Mike O'Farrell said: “While Middlesex is fully supportive of the creation of a new T20 tournament to drive the future of the game, we are unable to support this proposal at the current time. Middlesex has a unique position in playing at a ground that is likely to be a host venue at the tournament, yet not benefiting from the revenues associated with that status.  Therefore, the financial impact on Middlesex is still very uncertain and contains great risks to our current revenue streams”.  

O’Farrell also pointed to the proposed change in the ECB’s articles of constitution to allow the proposed eight-team T20 series toss proceed, saying such a change creates a significant risk that counties that are not host venues for the new tournament may, in the future and be a downgrading both in status and in revenue terms. 

He "welcomed the ECB's commitment to a further revision to its articles to provide the protections that we require - but until these commitments become legally binding, we cannot support the current change of articles of association.  We look forward to working with the ECB in the near future to developing a proposal that alleviates our concerns and provides a solution to domestic cricket that meets all our collective objectives”.

Derbyshire chairman Ian Morgan said the club "unanimously supported the change to the ECB articles of association to pave the way for a new Twenty20 tournament”.  He said: "The number of people who follow, watch and play the game is not where we would like it.  We know that the recreational game is under pressure from the ever growing list of new sports and activities it has to compete with, so we have to attract new people to the game at all levels”.

ECB chairman Colin Graves last month triggered a postal ballot to support the amendment to the national governing body's articles of association for the new T20 tournament.  The vote involving all 18 first-class counties, the Marylebone Cricket Club, Minor Counties Cricket Association and 21 recreational boards, must be concluded within 28 days.  The ECB needs a vote of at least 31 in favour from the 41 member organisations consulted.

Sussex were quickest to jump, nearly a week before the next and more than a week before most.

07/04/17

The Board of Sussex Cricket have considered the resolution from the ECB Board to amend the ECB Articles of Association to allow for a new eight team T20 competition to begin from the 2020 season.

The Board have agreed to support the proposal after receiving further information and assurances regarding the long term future of the 18 First-Class Counties.

Since September 2016, Sussex has sought certain guarantees from the ECB regarding the following;

- The future of the Specsavers County Championship

- The continuation of the NatWest T20 Blast which will not be played at the same time as the new competition

- The continuation of county cricket during the new competition

- That no county names or brands will be used for the eight new teams

- That the Governance structures within the ECB be reviewed to ensure that any future changes to the professional game can only be decided by a significant majority of the 18 FCC's and the MCC.

Rob Andrew, CEO of Sussex Cricket said, “This is a very important time for the long term future of English cricket. There are significant opportunities to appeal to a wider audience and the next generation of boys and girls and to inspire a lifelong passion for cricket.

“The future of the First-Class County structure and its critical role in the development of cricket must also be protected and enhanced by providing financial sustainability over the long term. We believe we have been given the necessary assurances by the ECB which protects the interests of everyone associated with Sussex Cricket, and we now look forward to working together with everyone in English cricket to build a bright future.”