County cricket

The Guardian has published its 2026 County Championship awards, recognising the best performers of the English domestic cricket season while also highlighting disappointments and controversies under the banner of 'the good, the bad and the best man'. The end-of-season roundup names standout players and less successful stories from across the counties.

Leicestershire have been handed a partial reprieve on a points deduction, but the county cricket club remains in a state of uncertainty over its ongoing situation. The decision offers some relief for the club, though the broader question of its standing has yet to be fully resolved, leaving Leicestershire still awaiting clarity on how the matter will ultimately be settled.

With the county cricket season wrapped up, a new edition of County Cricket Matters has been released, giving fans something to read as the domestic campaign closes. The update is being shared among cricket followers looking for off-season discussion and analysis of the county game.

The Guardian's Ali Martin argues that the Hundred has been pushed into the role of a summer undercard, with county cricket's strong showings and ongoing turmoil surrounding the England men's team commanding the attention of supporters. Traditional four-day competition has held the spotlight while the short-form tournament and England's selections and struggles have taken a back seat in the cricket conversation.