Essex chief warns against mergers

Essex chief executive David East believes there is no appetite in the domestic game for a merger of counties.

East was speaking in the wake of billionaire Allen Stanford's proposals for an English version of the IPL, which could involve regional sides.

"The ECB constitution states that any major changes to the county set-up would need to be voted for and ratified by the counties themselves," he said.

"It's impossible to believe they would vote for it."

With Twenty20 cricket growing in stature internationally East stressed that the county game still had a very important role to play in the game.

The ECB must look into a solution that fits in with the county set-up and the international programme Essex chief executive David East

"The ECB and the counties have a responsibility to protect the integrity of domestic cricket, which should remain the breeding ground for the next generation of England cricketers," East argued.

"There's no easy solution. The situation is moving quicker than decisions can be made. The ECB must look into a solution that fits in with the county set-up and the international programme".

East also argued that a lot of Essex's core support could be lost if fans were forced to invest in a new regional identity.