County Championship format retained for 2026 after 13-game proposal defeated

The Rothesay County Championship will retain the same format in 2026 after a proposal to play a remodelled 13-game structure did not receive the required majority of votes to affect change.

Division One will continue to consist of 10 counties and Division Two of eight counties, with the same two-down, two-up of relegation and promotion also retained.

The decision follows a county-led review into the structure of the men's county competitions.

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The review, which was staged in consultation with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), made proposals for changes to the County Championship, Vitality Blast men's competition and Metro Bank One-Day Cup men's competition.

The Professional County Cricket Clubs (PCCs) voted in July to alter format of the Vitality Blast men's competition, and from next season it will be staged over 12 group-stage matches with counties moving into three groups of six.

It will also be played before The Hundred in an effort to create a "better competition narrative," with the men's Finals Day confirmed for July 16, 2026 at Edgbaston.

The Metro Bank One-Day Cup men's competition will also retain the same format with each county playing eight group-stage matches in two groups of nine.

More to follow...