This introduced the concept of ECB Premier Leagues, designed to raise the playing standard of the top tier of club cricket and to bridge the gap between recreational cricket and the First Class game.
A national network of Premier Leagues was established, with funding from the ECB.
The Leagues have to meet the published ECB assessment criteria and they receive accreditation on an annual basis.
The ECB decided that overseas players are allowed to play in this top tier of club cricket provided that there is only one overseas player in any Premier League club team, which mirrors the arrangements for overseas players in the club cricket structures in countries such as Australia and South Africa.
There is also an increased emphasis on practice and the development of skills for the adult players in Premier League clubs.