The Sunday League 1969-2005

Timeline

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1969 - The Sunday League started with all 17 first-class counties taking part. It was sponsored by John Player & Co. and called John Player's County League. It was a 40-over single innings competition with each bowler restricted to 8 overs and the bowler's run-up restricted to 15 yards. Each county played the others once. Four points awarded for a win, 2 for a tie and 1 for a 'no result'. The winners were determined by most points gained. If points were equal, then positions determined by highest average run-rate per over throughout the season.

1970 - The competition now called the John Player League.

1973 - Run-rate no longer determines position. If two or more teams finish in first position on the same number of points, the teams involved will 'play off' to decide the winner. Counties with the same number of points in other than first place share the position.

1974 - Two points for a 'no result' instead of 1.

1975 - If two or more teams finish in first position on the same number of points, the winner will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the most away wins, or if still equal the highest average run-rate per over throughout the season. Counties with the same number of points in other than first place share the position.

1976 - Wisden of 1977 did not print full scorecards for the the 1976 competition due to 'pressure of space'. Full scorecards were resumed the following year following the 'pleas of several readers'.

1977 - If two or more teams finish in on the same number of points in any of the first three places, the positions will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the most away wins, or if still equal the highest average run-rate per over throughout the season. Counties with the same number of points in other than first three places share the position.

1980 - Underarm bowling no longer allowed. Declarations not allowed.

1982 - Fielding circles introduced - four fielders (plus the bowler and wicket-keeper) must be within the area 30 yards from the wicket for each ball. If two or more teams finish in on the same number of points in any of the first four places, the positions will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the most away wins, or if still equal the highest average run-rate per over throughout the season. Counties with the same number of points in other than first four places share the position.

1984 - The competition now called the John Player Special League.

1987 - Now sponsored by Refuge Assurance and called the Refuge Assurance League.

1988 - The top four teams in the League qualified for the Refuge Assurance Cup to be played to the same rules.

1989 - The bowler's run-up now restricted to 22 yards.

1990 - The bowler's run-up reverted to the restriction to 15 yards. If two or more teams finish in on the same number of points in any of the first four places, the positions will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the most away wins, or if still equal the highest average run-rate per hundred balls throughout the season. Counties with the same number of points in other than first four places share the position.

1992 - There was no sponsor for the competition this season and the knockout cup was abandoned. With their elevation to first-class status, Durham now took part in he competition. If two or more teams finish in on the same number of points in any of the first four places, the positions will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the highest average run-rate per hundred balls throughout the season. Counties with the same number of points in other than first four places share the position.

1993 - Now sponsored by AXA Equity & Law. Format changed to 50 overs per side, with each bowler limited to 10 overs. Coloured clothing and a white ball used. If two or more teams finish in on the same number of points, the positions will be decided on the most wins, or if still equal, the highest average run-rate per hundred balls throughout the season.

1994 - Format reverted to 40 overs per side, with each bowler limited to 8 overs.

1998 - Final year of the single division championship.

Division One 1999
Division Two 1999 Now Sponsored by CGU and called the National Cricket League, 2 divisions of 9, all matches 45 overs per side.

Division One 2000
Division Two 2000 Now Sponsored by Norwich Union, same format as 1999.

2003 - Once again no sponsor.

2004 - totesport agree sponsorship.