First, the Shell Trophy, the first-class competition contested by the six major association teams, was becoming expensive to run in its double round robin format.
[2] Mark Bailey (Northern Conference) was the highest scorer in the tournament, with 293 runs at an average of 48.83.
Hasibul Hossain (Bangladesh) was the only bowler to take six wickets in an innings, with 6 for 143 against Northern Conference.
It was replaced by a brief three-team competition which formed part of the England A tour to Bangladesh and New Zealand.
[1] Mathew Sinclair (North Island) made the most runs, 289 at 72.25, and had the highest score, 182.