The board met with the clubs on Monday night when some clubs expressed a willingness to remain in one league for at least another season so that ample warning of the switch could be given.

"The board conceded the point that perhaps clubs should have more warning,'' said Bailey. "It was also conceded by the clubs that we shall start the Super Eight in 1995.'' Now, instead of the league being split into two divisions, which the board initially wanted, all 17 clubs will compete against each other in open cricket this season with emphasis on development, said Bailey, now that the country has failed to qualify for the 1996 World Cup.

"It has given us three years to prepare for the next tournament instead of 18 months,'' said Bailey.

There is also a plan to introduce regulations for a limit on batting time as well as formulating a new points system to encourage positive cricket.

A motion was also passed at Monday's meeting regarding imposing restrictions on transfers. The clubs were in favour of the proposal that after March 31 there will be no transfers for a three year period unless approved by a special committee.

Bailey said the intention is to have players show more commitment to clubs, rather than leaving a club because it had been relegated. He said that transfers would only be approved in special circumstances and that a committee would be set up to look at the merits.

"The whole idea is to get people to build up their clubs,'' said Bailey.

"Unless there are very good grounds to make applications for transfer will be turned down.'' The board will hold its annual general meeting next Monday when plans for the season are finalised. Also expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks are the tours of Hyderabab Blues of India and a Jamaica team.

It is planned for the Hyderabad Blues, who were last here in 1991, to tour here in June though no dates or matches had been worked out. The Jamaicans have shown interest and the idea is to involve tours with them on a reciprocal basis.

Nationals, who have returned to the league as the 17th team, have also been confirmed as an entry to the 1994 Central Counties after a one-year absence.

The rules call for the bottom team in the league standings to play in the opening round, and because Nationals are returning they are likely to play in the first round.