Leicestershire agree to change in the ECB Articles of Association

Sounds like Mr Haywood can't wait to start spending the lolly and is happy with and trusts Colin Graves's word.

Another decision by a nameless board and after members were given a presentation by the other villain, Harrison, that led to more questions than answers. 

The Board of Leicestershire County Cricket Club unanimously agreed to a change in the ECB Articles of Association which, if 31 of First-Class Counties, Minor Counties and County Boards also agree, will enable the ECB to negotiate the broadcasting rights for a new T20 Competition in England and Wales.

This new competition is one part of the ECB’s Cricket Unleashed Strategy. The strategy includes All Stars Cricket for 5–8 year olds, a Under 19s Cup Competition, moves to expand Women’s cricket and South Asian involvement in all areas of cricket, and will provide further support for Chance to Shine, the cricket foundation.

The revenue from the new T20 Competition is to be used to sustain and increase participation at all levels of cricket from school, clubs, premier leagues through to first-class cricket for boys, girls, men and women. 

ECB Chairman Colin Graves gave assurances that the Specsavers County Championship, Royal London One-Day Cup and present NatWest T20 Blast Competition, which is vital to all Counties, will all be protected and fully marketed commercially to add to the sustainability of all cricket in England and Wales.

He also gave assurances that the governance of the new T20 competition is jointly owned and controlled by the 18 First-Class Counties and the MCC. This was how it was originally going to be governed.

We have agreed to the Articles of Association being changed for the reasons stated but the ECB, the 18 First-Class Counties and the MCC are still discussing other details which will bring about the new T20 Competition. The retention of 18 First-Class Counties is sacrosanct and the ECB have agreed this. 

Paul Haywood
Chairman, Leicestershire County Cricket Club