New domestic cricket competition confirmed - but still no dates

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed a 50-over competition for the eight new domestic regional teams will take place this summer, but the fixtures will not be announced until August.

Two groups of four will compete with sides split into regions. An ECB statement said: "The staging of this competition reflects the ECB’s commitment to continue the journey to professionalise the domestic game for women.

"Fixtures for the women’s domestic competition are set to be announced alongside confirmation of the full schedule for the Vitality Blast next month. The Vitality Blast will commence on 27 August."

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison added: “I am pleased that we have been able to schedule women’s domestic cricket and ensure competitive cricket following last month’s confirmation of the first cohort of players on Regional Retainer contracts.

“We will need to remain agile to the challenges that will await us during the shortened domestic season with the health and wellbeing of our players, staff, officials and fans continuing to be our first priority.”