The teams were split across two divisions, the more developed cricketing nations of Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Denmark joining England in the A Championship and three other associates, Gibraltar, Italy and Germany forming the B Championship.

Following this inaugural competition, the higher, eventually referred to as Division One, was played every year between Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Denmark.

In 2003, France debuted in the second division, later joined by Belgium and Israel in 2005 and by Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man in 2007.

The aim of this was to provide the players with some practice for the style of multi-day play encountered in the Intercontinental Cup.

This evened out the number of teams across the divisions and a win from Jersey over Denmark demonstrated their ability to play in the top flight.