23 November 2023 , 17:24
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Players union bosses have told the England & Wales Cricket Board their 2024 fixture list is “unsustainable” - with outspoken members accusing Lord's of “disregarding” their welfare.
The schedule for next summer, which includes England's defence of their World Twenty20 crown in the Caribbean and United States in June, was released to dismay at the Professional Cricketers Association, whose members had highlighted “dangerous” travel windows.
Despite the County Championship being reduced to 15 slots instead of 16, the domestic T20 Vitality Blast competition will be played almost entirely on Thursday nights, Friday nights and weekends from the end of May to mid-July.
PCA chief executive Rob Lynch said: "On a day that is full of excitement and anticipation, the announcement of the 2024 fixtures is a reminder that the men's domestic calendar in England and Wales is unsustainable.
“It is in need of reform for the interests of current and future professional cricketers and, therefore, the future of our game.
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"We are aware the ECB acknowledges the schedule is not ideal and following recent game-wide conversations, we understand the game has an ambition to look seriously at the 2025 fixture list.
"We have heard this commitment in the past and the professional game has not delivered. Collectively, we need to act to advance player welfare to future-proof our sport.”
Last month the PCA held its annual players' summit, where members highlighted the "dangerous" travel requirements of an unrelenting 2023 fixture list.
Essex bowler Sam Cook said: "My biggest issue is the welfare of players and support staff being disregarded, particularly with regards to travel throughout high-intensity periods of T20 cricket.
"This has been repeatedly stressed in numerous PCA summits and despite this, the schedule still provides the same problems by not focusing on player welfare."
PCA chair James Harris welcomed the increase in double headers between the men and women's game, but warned the domestic schedule must evolve.
He warned: "While the opportunities players have are no doubt greater than ever before, the county system must adapt to allow players the chance to progress their careers in a way that respects the welfare of the individuals who perform on the pitch.
"The recent player summit saw the men's county schedule as a high priority with the players in attendance displaying a dissatisfaction at the structure following research within their dressing rooms.
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"It is apparent things need to change for 2025.”
The first block of county championship games, with defending champions facing Lancashire at Old Trafford, begins on April 5, equalling the earliest-ever start to a season.
Two years ago, the temperature in London on April 5 was six degrees Centigrade with sleet showers.