One overseas player from 2008

County clubs will be able to field just one overseas player after next year.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have agreed to reduce the quota from two to one as of the 2008 season, following a unanimous groundswell of opinion from the counties themselves.

An increase in the regularity of international tours has made it difficult for counties to be able to attract overseas players they can count on to remain available through the majority of the season.

It became clear during a consultation period that counties favoured a reduction - and following an ECB board meeting at Lord's on Tuesday, the new policy has been adopted.

Counties will be permitted to replace their overseas choice should he be injured, called up for an overseas tour at short notice or be required to return home by his national board.

A maximum number of four overseas players will be able to be employed in a season, with a minimum three-week registration period for each one.