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Kent County Cricket Club against reducing number of games

George Kennedy
George Kennedy

Kent’s George Kennedy and Jamie Clifford join other county chairmen and chief executives next week to again discuss the planned restructuring of county cricket.

The English Cricket Board decided against tinkering with the format this summer, but changes are likely next year, although Kent will again lobby for no reduction in the schedule

The meeting at Lord’s next Tuesday takes place against a backcloth of poor financial figures posted by several counties.

Sussex are the latest with a £171,000 deficit – although that is very modest in comparison to others.

Kent expect to confirm next week another substantial trading loss in 2010, Yorkshire announced a £2m loss while Lancashire are predicting the biggest deficit in county cricket.

Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall says any repeat of last year’s £400,000 loss could put their future in doubt.

The biggest debate next week seems certain to centre on the Twenty20 programme with several counties believing eight home games are too many.

Chairman Mr Kennedy (pictured) said: "I am sure there will be plenty of strong views and opinions put forward.

"We are against fewer matches. Last year’s Twenty20 attendances were poor, but we think it was a blip because of the football world cup.

"The real test will come this year if we don’t get the crowds, and then we might have to think again."

Floodlit cricket at Canterbury this summer is Kent’s biggest hope of attracting big crowds. The first pylon was installed this week, with the other four due to be erected shortly.

Kent may have to put their case against change very forcibly with the ECB already expressing a desire to reduce the programme, and make the schedule more "consistent and sustainable in 2012."

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