ECB canvasses opinion

The ECB has held a series of regional meetings with representatives from the professional and non-first-class game, with some very positive feedback.

Over 350 representatives from county cricket and the recreational game have attended one of the eight meetings held at cricketing centres around the country.

The meetings were held at Old Trafford, Headingley Carnegie, Durham, Bristol, Beckenham, Worcester, Loughborough and Cambridge. Second XI cricket, Premier Leagues, minor counties, county age-group cricket, officials, focus clubs and leagues were all represented.

On behalf of the ECB, managing director of cricket partnerships Mike Gatting, John Pickup, chairman of the recreational assembly, Chris Hoad, head of IT, and Paul Bedford, head of operations – non-first-class, all answered questions on a number of areas relating to the non-first-class game.

Bedford said: "The emails and calls following these presentations have been very positive and all have fed back that they are pleased to have been asked to comment.

"County board contacts have received a copy of the slide presentation that was used and further plans for future consultation will be communicated in due course."