| Player: | PD Collingwood |
DateLine: 29th August 2009
The ECB has come under a scathing attack from current and former players for scrapping the 50 over format from its 2010 domestic calendar.
England and Wales Cricket Board had on Thursday replaced the 50-over cricket at domestic level with a 40-over competition when counties voted 15-3 in favour of the latter.
But all-rounder and one of England's main limited overs star Paul Collingwood said counties must play the format which is accepted globally.
"We want county cricket to mirror international cricket, simple as that. It is important (players) are getting the experience before they get to the international stage. If we are not playing the 50-over game (at county level) it is going to be a hindrance," Collingwood said.
Geoff Miller, currently the chief selector, was also baffled by the decision.
"If there is a global 50-over tournament we have to participate in it, and if all we re playing is 40-over cricket then I have a problem with that," Miller was quoted as saying by 'The Times'.
"I am looking at it from a cricketing point of view; I understand there is a financial point of view as well. My job as national selector is to win cricket matches and if we do that, it makes money along the line, as will happen with the Ashes," he said.