West ‘no’ vote sparks rethink on league set-up

THE future of Scottish domestic cricket was plunged into uncertainty last night after clubs in the west turned their backs on a proposed new SNCL.

Now Cricket Scotland officials may opt for a regional alternative to the national structure which was voted through last month.

Roddy Smith, the governing body’s chief executive, said: “We have received the views of the WDCU [Western District Cricket Union] which are not unexpected. There is a situation where about half the country is very pro-regional and Cricket Scotland itself is strongly of the opinion that a National League serves no real purpose.

“We will now sit down and take everyone’s views on board before deciding what the future structure of club cricket in Scotland should be.”

The domestic game appeared to be on course for a new streamlined two-division SNCL after the 32 member clubs last month voted 19-13 for that option rather than an alternative for regional leagues. However, just five of the 14 WDCU clubs were in favour and at a specially-convened meeting last night they backed a motion to explore a regional set-up.

As a result, clubs in the east and north may be forced to form their own “national” league – with or without the five clubs in the west who voted for the SNCL. However, Cricket Scotland could also impose a complete return to regional leagues with national play-offs at the end of the season.