YORKSHIRE’S players face another jam-packed season of county action next year after the ECB yesterday revealed there would be few changes, if any, to the schedule in 2011.

A six-man panel, including White Rose captain Andrew Gale, have recommended that a similar structure to that of the most recent campaign should be employed.

It has, however, been agreed that the schedule will be reduced by between 8-12 days for 2012 and beyond.

An ECB statement read: “The group will recommend that quarter finals for the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition be delivered from 2012, and that the competition should be played in four pools of five teams.

“The group further noted that following the ICC World Cup in 2011, the format of one day international cricket will be reviewed – and recommended that the format of the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition should mirror the international format.

“Many counties have already entered into commitments to playing staffs and other expenditure for 2011, and cash flow from membership and ticket sales are vitally important in the current difficult economic climate for the 2011 season.

“The group are of the opinion that a solution to the reduction in the number of days of domestic cricket must be sustainable for at least the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.

“They, therefore, recommended that in order to complete a robust process, the fixture programme for 2011 should be similar to 2010.

“They will meet again prior to the ECB board meeting in mid November to consider the number of LV County Championship and Friends Provident Twenty20 matches to be played in future seasons.”

This is expected to mean that the much criticised 16 Twenty20 matches will remain for one more season at least.