LONDON, 21 July 2025 – As English county cricket faces a pivotal vote on the future of its domestic structure, the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) is calling on county Chairs and CEOs to prioritise player welfare, citing overwhelming player support for reducing the County Championship to 12 games.
New PCA data reveals that 83% of players are concerned about their physical health due to the current schedule, while 67% are concerned about their mental wellbeing. The findings come amid a packed calendar that many believe is unsustainable for high performance.
Players support 12-game Championship to protect welfare
The PCA has sent formal letters to all 18 professional counties following a second round of consultation meetings. 89% of player representatives backed a 12/6 split league format in the County Championship as one of their top two priorities for schedule reform. Players also expressed openness to a traditional divisional model, provided it includes no more than 12 red-ball matches.
Olly Hannon-Dalby, PCA Chair and Warwickshire bowler, said: “We are at a critical moment. A change in format to 12 league games is the only reasonable option and would breathe new life into what could become the best red-ball competition in the world.”
Woakes and Cook speak out on performance and welfare risks
England all-rounder Chris Woakes emphasised that the demand isn’t about playing less cricket for convenience. “It’s about being able to produce the best cricket on the field. You need time to prepare and recover physically and mentally,” said Woakes. “The game is faster and more intense than ever.”
Sam Cook, PCA Essex Rep and England fast bowler, highlighted that players are unable to perform at their peak due to back-to-back fixtures. “From a health and lifestyle perspective, driving at 3–4am between games is unacceptable,” he said. “We need reform before something serious happens.”
Stats show performance and health declining under current schedule
- 83% of players are concerned about physical wellbeing
- 67% concerned about mental health
- 72% believe the current schedule harms performance
- 77% say too much domestic cricket is played
- 89% of squads want a 12-game County Championship
All of these numbers have increased since 2024, underscoring growing frustration within the playing group. The PCA emphasized that the opinions were collected during pre-season meetings and June’s county consultation process.
Optimising the Blast and One Day Cup for better balance
The PCA also recommended drastically easing the back-to-back schedule in the Vitality Blast by shifting to a 12-game regional group stage. While the Metro Bank One Day Cup is expected to remain alongside The Hundred, reducing just two T20 matches is not enough to fix what PCA CEO Daryl Mitchell called “an intense six-month congestion.”
“Every county must understand their role as employers and consider the long-term benefits of a more balanced domestic structure,” said Mitchell. “The right decision now will future-proof the game.”
Reform supported across the PCA’s 400+ playing members
With support from over 400 male players, the PCA is presenting a united front on behalf of its members. The data and testimonies show a clear player mandate: reduce fixture congestion to safeguard physical and mental health, while improving performance levels and fan engagement.
“We want to deliver a better product on the field and create a sustainable environment off it,” said Hannon-Dalby. “The game must evolve to protect the people who play it.”
