What a Revamped County Championship Means for English Cricket
The heart of English cricket is about to beat differently.
There’s no denying it — the County Championship has always been a big part of English cricket. It’s not just one of the oldest tournaments out there, but it’s also helped shape some of the best Test players we’ve seen in the England team.
But in 2025, things are set to change. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is bringing in some major updates that could impact not just the players but also counties and fans too.
So let’s jump in and take a look at what’s changing—and what it could mean for the future of England’s Test team.
What’s Changing in the County Championship 2025?
- New League Structure
One of the major changes is in the structure of the game. Instead of just two divisions like before, they are now planning to introduce three divisions. This will automatically lead to smaller groups, making the matches more intense and competitive.
- Fewer Matches
According to the new updates, teams will play 10 to 12 matches, instead of the 14 matches they used to play earlier. This change will allow players to get more rest and stay injury-free.
- Stronger Focus on Test Cricket
It’s usually hard to find good and talented players for the England Test team. But this new format of the County Championship will help in spotting and preparing players who are truly skilled at playing the longer format (red-ball) cricket.
- The Hundred Break
In August, red-ball cricket might stop—or we can say pause—for a few weeks to make space for the Hundred tournament. It’s a T20-style cricket league that is short, fun, and highly entertaining.
- Tired Players: Earlier, during the Championship, players had to play long matches with nonstop travel and tight schedules. This often led to burnout, which could be very exhausting and negatively affect their overall performance.
- Low Popularity: Many people today are not as interested in long-format matches. They prefer watching shorter, fast-paced games like The Hundred or T20s. Because of this shift in audience preference, county matches have been losing excitement and attention over time.
- Clash of Tournaments: There were too many tournaments going on at the same time—like The Hundred, the County Championship, and other domestic matches. It became messy for players because they had to choose between red-ball and white-ball formats. Even fans didn’t know which match to follow, and it all just felt a bit all over the place.
How Will It Affect County Teams and Fans?
- Some County Teams May Struggle
In the new 2025 County Championship format, teams will be divided into three divisions. Stronger teams will be placed in Division 1, while weaker ones will go into Division 3. While top teams like Surrey are likely to get more attention, popularity, and funding, Division 3 teams might feel left out — with fewer big matches, less exposure, and limited fan support.
- Less Money from Fewer Matches
With fewer matches being played under the new format, it could lead to a drop in ticket sales and crowd engagement. And naturally, less audience means less income — which might affect the overall profits for some counties.
- Fans Might Enjoy It More – or Miss the Old Style
Good News:
With fewer matches, each game will become more competitive and entertaining, so fans might feel more excited watching them.
But:
Some fans who love the traditional, longer format might feel sad and frustrated that the matches have become shorter.
In short:
Some people will be happy, just like some teams will benefit, while others may struggle. Fans might enjoy the fresh excitement, but some will miss the old traditions.
Reactions So Far
Many former England cricketers, like Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, believe these updates are a great idea to change and develop the County Championship in 2025.
They say it will not only make it easier to spot young talent for the Test series but could also improve England’s chances in tough Test matches, like England vs India or the Ashes.
However, not everyone agrees:
Some coaches and even players are worried that the new updates might leave them behind—especially those in Division 3. They also feel that young players may get fewer chances to prove themselves due to the shorter matches.
The ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) is still in discussions with players, counties, and experts to finalize the new format.
Why It Matters for the Future of English Cricket
- The County Championship plays a very important role in selecting future England Test players. So, if the selection system is weak, there’s no doubt the team chosen will also be weaker.
- This new format provides a clear path for young players to reach the national team without confusion or unfairness.
- If these updates work effectively, they could revive the excitement around county cricket and make test matches even stronger.
Want to follow how teams are preparing under the new structure?
Check out our latest fixtures on AllCric.
What’s next?
Bringing change is never easy in English cricket, but this one might be necessary.
The update to the County Championship could not only help build a stronger Test team but also discover young talent and bring fans back to the game.