It is the top level of competition for recreational club cricket in the Cheshire area and is a designated ECB Premier League.

The clubs competing in the 1st XI Premier Division for 2020 were intended to be: Alderley Edge, Cheadle, Chester Boughton Hall, Didsbury, Hyde, Nantwich, Neston, Oulton Park, Oxton, Timperley, Toft, and Widnes.

A replacement competition was organised for the later part of the season when cricket again became possible, but with the winners not to be regarded as official league champions.

A 3rd XI Division 4 is also offered to clubs in the Greater Manchester region with additional XIs.

Clubs play in the Cheshire County Cricket League based on the performances of their 1st XIs.