I agree that there really is no point in the Pro40, even though it's the only tournament my county (Essex) have been much good at in recent seasons. There should only be three domestic competitions, reflecting the three forms of the game competed at internationally and in other countries' leagues (first-class, 50-over and Twenty20). It'd make more sense, perhaps, to run the Twenty20 throughout the season as a full league, rather than in short bursts in July. And the FP should be a straight knockout from the off, with no pointless "conferences", especially as these games hardly attract any more crowds than midweek championship games.

The championship should be preserved - it's not as bad as it's painted - and, pre IPL, has continued to attract high-calibre overseas players. It's never gonna pull in the crowds (though more effort could certainly be made), but then neither do the first-class state competitions in any other country.