BIG CRICKET SURVEY 2018: Two-tier Championship is favoured by our readers

The existing Championship dynamic of two divisions, with promotion and relegation, was favoured by more than 55 per cent of respondents, with the idea of a three-tier conference system coming out ahead of a return to the single league of old

Cricketer readers favour a two-tier County Championship, while the majority are opposed to the introduction of a city tournament to the domestic calendar.

The Big Cricket Survey asked cricket fans what they thought about fundamental aspects of the English summer, as well as the possible changes that will be made to the schedule from 2020.

The existing Championship dynamic of two divisions, with promotion and relegation between each, was favoured by more than 55 per cent of respondents, with the idea of a three-tier conference system coming out ahead of a return to the single league of old.

Most are opposed to franchise city teams being introduced in two years’ time. In fact, 64.13 per cent said they were against the idea, and 42.17 per cent strongly so.

Would you prefer a one, two or three-tiered Championship?

One: 18.30%, Two: 55.01%, Three: 20.60%, No preference: 3.56%, Don’t know: 2.52%

For clarity, the poll was conducted prior to the release of information about the ECB’s plans for The Hundred, so readers were replying to a question which asked them about their support or opposition for T20 franchise cricket rather than the all-new 100-ball concept.

ECB chief operating officer Gordon Hollins said: “We accept that part of the challenge we face is striking the right balance between retaining the game’s heritage and recruiting new enthusiasts, particularly young people, many of whom think and behave differently from previous generations.

“County cricket is sometimes erroneously portrayed as a sport in decline. It isn’t. The county game is growing and its growth is in no small measure due to the loyal and devoted support it receives from many of the readers who responded to your survey.

“However, to ensure that county cricket remains strong  it needs to be relevant to different communities across England and Wales, and appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Meanwhile, little over half of readers want MCCUs to retain first-class status - though the topic is obviously not broadly enough covered as more than a fifth said they do not have an opinion on the matter, compared to the meagre 2.52 per cent who did not have a side in the debate over the structure of the County Championship.

To what extent do you support or oppose plans for a new T20 city tournament?

Strongly support: 9.91%, Tend to support: 14.68%, Neither support nor oppose: 10.79%, Tend to oppose: 21.96%, Strongly oppose: 42.17%