CRICKET

DORSET League clubs have voted in favour of adopting a number of proposals aimed at improving the format of the competition.

The plans are in line with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ‘Blueprint for Cricket’ which intends to get more people playing as it fits in with modern lifestyles.

Officials of the Dorset League have also applied for ECB Premier League status which would provide funds for clubs and administrators to help retain players and improve the standard.

To comply with ECB guidelines, all Dorset League clubs would need to have three junior teams in place.

Other changes agreed at their annual general meeting included extending the deadline for registering players until midday on the day of a match to allow clubs more time to get teams organised.

Should a club fail to honour a third team fixture, it will be contacted by the league to ascertain the reasons and asked if they can continue the season rather than face instant expulsion.

The deadline for registering overseas players has been extended to June 30, while clubs in Saturday Division Two and below and all Sunday divisions have been given flexibility regarding start times.