Second Eleven Championship (England) 2025/26

Second Eleven Championship operates as a developmental tournament for the reserve squads of England’s first-class county clubs. Established in 1959, the competition sits beneath the senior County Championship in the English cricket pyramid. Its primary purpose is to provide structured four-day cricket for emerging talent, typically featuring under-23 prospects and fringe first-team players. The league functions as a closed group, comprising the 18 first-class counties alongside the MCC Young Cricketers, with no promotion or relegation between this tier and the National Counties Cricket Championship.

The 2025 season introduced a significant structural change known as the 'Championship Challenge'. The previous format, which split teams into North and South regional divisions since 2009, has been replaced by three regional groups of six teams each. Participants play a round-robin schedule within their respective groups, with matches lasting between three and four days. The top two group winners progress to a final to determine the overall champion. This format mirrors the points system of the senior game, allocating 16 points for a victory and eight for a draw or tie, supplemented by bonus points for batting and bowling performances.

Historically, Kent holds the record for the most titles, claiming the championship nine outright times and sharing another in 1987. Surrey follows with eight wins, while Lancashire has secured five outright victories. Hampshire enters the 2025 campaign as the reigning champion from the 2024 season. The competition has maintained its original name throughout its history, avoiding the commercial sponsorship seen in the senior Division 1 and 2 tournaments. It serves as a vital bridge for players aiming for first-team advancement, offering a consistent pathway within the domestic game.