Bolton League cricket clubs have agreed to press forward with exploring potential changes to the league format they play in.

Local cricket is facing revolutionary change in the area with 10 leagues in Greater Manchester discussing the idea of scrapping the current traditional leagues – which include the Bolton League and Bolton Association – and joining together in one large multi-division league incorporating promotion and relegation.

The call for change has been met with differing degrees of enthusiasm, with Bolton League clubs displaying a positive approach to it at a meeting at Bradshaw Cricket Club on Monday night after which the following statement was made:

'At the Bolton Cricket League Meeting held on Monday 1st December the clubs of the league had a full and frank discussion on the issues facing recreational cricket and in particular the desire to improve standards in the BCL.

The clubs discussed a range of options in how best to respond but all agreed that the league must look to change with the aim of improving its standard of cricket, its grounds and facilities and to consider the playing structure that we currently operate under.

The League management committee will now consider how best to respond to the need for change and will continue to discuss these options with the clubs.

Although there is further work required to develop the concept of a Greater Manchester approach to cricket the clubs mandated league officials to maintain a dialogue with the other 10 cricket leagues in Greater Manchester who are meeting regularly to develop the principles of this idea.

The clubs in the BCL are supportive of change and recognise that our league structures need to reflect the society we now live in. It is recognised that this will be a challenge, but all clubs agreed that the time is right for change, and need to move forward collectively.'