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Two key meetings will consider changes to league cricket within the County ahead of the 2018 season.
The ‘#HantsGameChanger’ Players Meeting, taking place at the The Ageas Bowl on Thursday 1st February (7:30pm), is an opportunity for players and clubs to hear about key proposals aimed at helping to deliver the cricket that the players themselves want to play.
Clubs will vote on the changes at The Hampshire Cricket League AGM, taking place at the The Ageas Bowl on Thursday 15th February.
The proposals have been put forward as a result of information gathered from Hampshire Cricket Unleashed events in autumn 2016 as well as results from a player survey distributed to all those playing across the County last summer.
Club proposals on start times, league re-structure, overs, and player loans and wides grew out of findings from both the Hampshire Cricket Unleashed events in 2016 and the ‘#MyHantsGameDay’ survey last season.
Tony Oxley, Clubs and Leagues Working Party Chair
The Working Party supports and seeks to build on the league’s own proposals, and following the survey results we’re looking to ensure that those playing the game regularly have the opportunity for their voices to be heard.
The Players Meeting and the AGM are the perfect opportunity opportunities for this.
The first key change will see new 10 team divisions proposed, helping to reduce players’ travel by up to 28% and allowing more free time for players who need to juggle other commitments.
Research has also shown that 78% of players want fixtures to start by 1pm, allowing more time spent with family and friends during the evenings. This second proposal will allow Clubs the flexibility to start later or earlier by arrangement.
A third proposed change will see Regional Division Three games reduced to 35 overs per side, as opposed to the current 42 overs per side. This is expected to be ideal for youngsters making the step up from junior cricket, as well as adult players with social or family commitments.
In regional divisions a player loans trial is designed to reduce the number of matches conceded across the County, while a final proposal not to re-bowl wides is aimed at speeding up the game.
For more information about the upcoming meetings or the proposed changes:
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