The County Championship Division One 2026 begins on April 3, 2026, marking the start of England’s premier domestic first-class season, which continues until September 27, 2026 with multiple rounds played across months.
The competition features top English county teams in a four-day format, with 70 matches played across the season to determine the championship winner based on consistent performance.
This article covers the full schedule, participating teams, venues, match structure, and viewing details, giving a clear overview of how the tournament unfolds through the season.
County Championship 2026 Schedule
The County Championship 2026 Matches run from April to September 2026, covering 70 games at historic venues nationwide across England.
Here is the complete schedule:
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST / GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Apr 3, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Surrey | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 2nd | Apr 3, 2026 | Hampshire vs Essex | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 3rd | Apr 3, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Yorkshire | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 4th | Apr 3, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Sussex | Grace Road, Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 5th | Apr 3, 2026 | Somerset vs Nottinghamshire | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 6th | Apr 10, 2026 | Essex vs Somerset | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 7th | Apr 10, 2026 | Sussex vs Warwickshire | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 8th | Apr 10, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Hampshire | Headingley, Leeds | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 9th | Apr 10, 2026 | Surrey vs Leicestershire | Kennington Oval, London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 10th | Apr 10, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Glamorgan | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 11th | Apr 17, 2026 | Hampshire vs Somerset | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 12th | Apr 17, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Essex | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 13th | Apr 24, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Warwickshire | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 14th | Apr 24, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Sussex | Leeds | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 15th | Apr 24, 2026 | Surrey vs Essex | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 16th | Apr 24, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Leicestershire | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 17th | May 1, 2026 | Surrey vs Sussex | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 18th | May 1, 2026 | Hampshire vs Glamorgan | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 19th | May 1, 2026 | Somerset vs Yorkshire | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 20th | May 1, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Nottinghamshire | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 21st | May 8, 2026 | Essex vs Hampshire | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 22nd | May 8, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Yorkshire | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 23rd | May 8, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Surrey | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 24th | May 8, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Somerset | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 25th | May 8, 2026 | Sussex vs Leicestershire | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 26th | May 15, 2026 | Essex vs Leicestershire | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 27th | May 15, 2026 | Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 28th | May 15, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Glamorgan | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 29th | May 15, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Surrey | Leeds | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 30th | May 15, 2026 | Somerset vs Sussex | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 31st | Jun 7, 2026 | Surrey vs Hampshire | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 32nd | Jun 12, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Warwickshire | Scarborough | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 33rd | Jun 12, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Essex | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 34th | Jun 12, 2026 | Sussex vs Glamorgan | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 35th | Jun 12, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Somerset | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 36th | Jun 19, 2026 | Essex vs Nottinghamshire | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 37th | Jun 19, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Yorkshire | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 38th | Jun 19, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Surrey | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 39th | Jun 19, 2026 | Sussex vs Hampshire | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 40th | Jun 19, 2026 | Somerset vs Warwickshire | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 41st | Aug 20, 2026 | Surrey vs Nottinghamshire | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 42nd | Aug 20, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Sussex | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 43rd | Aug 20, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Glamorgan | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 44th | Aug 20, 2026 | Somerset vs Essex | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 45th | Aug 20, 2026 | Hampshire vs Yorkshire | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 46th | Aug 27, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Nottinghamshire | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 47th | Aug 27, 2026 | Essex vs Surrey | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 48th | Aug 27, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Leicestershire | Scarborough | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 49th | Aug 27, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Hampshire | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 50th | Aug 27, 2026 | Sussex vs Somerset | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 51st | Sep 2, 2026 | Essex vs Sussex | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 52nd | Sep 2, 2026 | Surrey vs Yorkshire | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 53rd | Sep 2, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 54th | Sep 2, 2026 | Somerset vs Glamorgan | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 55th | Sep 2, 2026 | Hampshire vs Warwickshire | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 56th | Sep 8, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Hampshire | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 57th | Sep 8, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Essex | Leeds | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 58th | Sep 8, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Warwickshire | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 59th | Sep 8, 2026 | Sussex vs Surrey | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 60th | Sep 8, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Somerset | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 61st | Sep 15, 2026 | Essex vs Warwickshire | Chelmsford | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 62nd | Sep 15, 2026 | Leicestershire vs Hampshire | Leicester | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 63rd | Sep 15, 2026 | Yorkshire vs Somerset | Leeds | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 64th | Sep 15, 2026 | Surrey vs Glamorgan | London | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 65th | Sep 15, 2026 | Sussex vs Nottinghamshire | Hove | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 66th | Sep 24, 2026 | Warwickshire vs Leicestershire | Birmingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 67th | Sep 24, 2026 | Nottinghamshire vs Yorkshire | Nottingham | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 68th | Sep 24, 2026 | Hampshire vs Sussex | Southampton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 69th | Sep 24, 2026 | Glamorgan vs Essex | Cardiff | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
| 70th | Sep 24, 2026 | Somerset vs Surrey | Taunton | 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT |
County Championship Division One 2026 Teams
The 2026 County Championship Division One features England’s top cricket clubs and players, competing in a season packed with competitive fixtures and encounters.
The teams and their squads are as follows:
1. Glamorgan
Kiran Carlson, Edward Byrom, Sean Dickson, Colin Ingram, Asa Tribe, Zain-ul-Hassan, Ben Kellaway, Timm van der Gugten, Chris Cooke, Mason Crane, Andy Gorvin, Ryan Hadley, Jamie McIlroy
2. Essex
Tom Westley, Dean Elgar, Matthew Critchley, Paul Walter, Noah Thain, Charlie Allison, Wiaan Mulder, Michael Pepper, Zaman Akhter, Simon Harmer, Sam Cook, Shane Snater, Jamie Porter
3. Hampshire
Nick Gubbins, Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, Jake Lehmann, Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, Codi Yusuf, Toby Albert, Ben Brown, Kyle Abbott, Sonny Baker, Edward Jack, Ben Mayes
4. Nottinghamshire
Haseeb Hameed, Jack Haynes, Ben Slater, Lyndon James, Freddie McCann, Robert Lord, Liam Patterson-White, Joe Clarke, Kyle Verreynne, Farhan Ahmed, Tom Giles, Brett Hutton, Dillon Pennington, Olly Stone
5. Somerset
Tom Abell, Joshua Thomas, Tom Lammonby, Archie Vaughan, Lewis Gregory, Lewis Goldsworthy, Craig Overton, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, James Rew, Migael Pretorius, Jack Leach, Alfie Ogborne, Jake Ball, Joshua Shaw
6. Surrey
Dominic Sibley, Dan Lawrence, Ryan Patel, Ralphie Albert, Jordan Clark, Tom Lawes, Rory Burns, Ben Foakes, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Sean Abbott, Matthew Fisher, James Philip Arthur Taylor, Reece Topley
7. Sussex
Tom Clark, Tom Haines, Daniel Hughes, James Coles, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Danial Ibrahim, Jack Leaning, Jack Carson, John Simpson, Charlie Tear, Henry Crocombe, Danny Lamb, Tom Price, Ollie Robinson
8. Warwickshire
Sam Hain, Zen Malik, Robert Yates, Dan Mousley, Beau Webster, Ed Barnard, Jordan Thompson, Chris Woakes, Alex Davies, Kai Smith, Ethan Bamber, Nathan Gilchrist, Jake Lintott, Michael Booth
9. Leicestershire
Soloman Budinger, Jake Weatherald, Rishi Patel, Ian Holland, Rehan Ahmed, Ben Green, Tom Scriven, Liam Trevaskis, Ben Cox, Stephen Eskinazi, Lewis Hill, Yadvinder Singh, Samuel Wood
10. Yorkshire
William Luxton, Adam Lyth, James Wharton, George Hill, Matthew Revis, Jonny Bairstow, Finlay Bean, Sam Whiteman, Dominic Bess, Benjamin Cliff, Ben Coad, Daniel Moriarty, Logan van Beek, Jack White
County Championship Division One 2026 Venues
The County Championship Division One 2026 will take place at England and Wales’ top cricket grounds, combining history, atmosphere, and modern facilities.
The venues are as follows:
Edgbaston – Birmingham
Edgbaston is a historic ground famed for its passionate atmosphere and iconic Eric Hollies Stand, blending traditional charm with modern facilities.
In 2026, Warwickshire will host top Division One teams such as Surrey, Essex, Yorkshire, Glamorgan, Sussex, and Leicestershire, making it a central venue for exciting red-ball contests.
The pitch offers a balanced challenge for both batsmen and bowlers, ensuring competitive matches while fans enjoy a vibrant stadium environment.
The Rose Bowl – Southampton
The Rose Bowl is a modern stadium set on Southampton’s waterfront, with scenic views and excellent spectator facilities.
Hampshire will face Division One rivals, including Essex, Somerset, Glamorgan, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire, and Sussex, promising engaging red-ball cricket.
Its pitch supports stroke-play yet allows seamers to make an impact, creating competitive encounters. The combination of contemporary design and strategic cricket ensures memorable matches for players and fans alike.
Kia Oval – London
The Kia Oval is one of England’s most iconic cricket grounds, blending historic architecture with upgraded spectator facilities.
Surrey will welcome teams such as Leicestershire, Essex, Sussex, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Glamorgan, hosting high-profile Division One fixtures.
The pitch favors batsmen but offers spinners opportunities later in the game. With a lively crowd and prestigious surroundings, every match here promises competitive cricket and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Trent Bridge – Nottingham
Trent Bridge combines Victorian architecture with modern stands, offering picturesque views along with top-tier facilities.
Nottinghamshire will challenge teams including Glamorgan, Warwickshire, Surrey, Somerset, Leicestershire, Hampshire, and Yorkshire, making it a key Division One battleground.
The pitch supports both seamers and batsmen, producing competitive games with opportunities for all skill sets.
Headingley – Leeds
Headingley is renowned for its passionate crowds and historic significance, hosting some of England’s most dramatic finishes.
Yorkshire will take on rivals such as Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Warwickshire, Essex, and Somerset, creating exciting Division One matchups.
The pitch is traditionally helpful to seamers early, yet batsmen can flourish once conditions settle. With a charged atmosphere and rich history, matches here always provide intense competition and memorable moments.
Cooper Associates County Ground – Taunton
Taunton’s Cooper Associates County Ground, affectionately called “Ciderabad,” is intimate, bringing fans close to the action.
Somerset will host top Division One teams, including Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Sussex, Warwickshire, Essex, Glamorgan, and Surrey.
The pitch offers a fair contest between bat and ball, favoring stroke-makers without diminishing seamers’ impact.
Its lively, community-centered environment ensures that spectators enjoy both the cricketing spectacle and a festival-like matchday experience.
County Ground – Chelmsford
Chelmsford’s County Ground is known for spin-friendly pitches and a traditional, cozy stadium feel.
Essex will play Division One teams such as Somerset, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Warwickshire, making it a hub for competitive matches.
The venue balances the opportunity for batting brilliance with tactical bowling challenges. Fans enjoy close-up views, modern facilities, and an engaging atmosphere as teams compete in hard-fought encounters throughout the season.
County Ground – Hove
Hove offers a charming seaside venue, famous for flat pitches and high-scoring potential.
Sussex will take on rivals including Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Glamorgan, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, and Nottinghamshire, promising competitive Division One cricket.
Its wickets encourage aggressive batting while providing enough assistance for bowlers later. The combination of historical charm and coastal scenery ensures a relaxed yet exciting experience for spectators during every fixture.
Grace Road – Leicester
Grace Road blends a traditional city-ground feel with modern facilities, offering a cozy home for Leicestershire.
The team will host Division One competitors, including Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Essex, Yorkshire, Glamorgan, Hampshire, and Somerset, ensuring exciting contests.
Its pitch favors balanced play, giving both batsmen and bowlers opportunities to shine. Spectators enjoy a close-knit atmosphere where every match feels personal, and competitive cricket unfolds amid community pride.
North Marine Road Ground – Scarborough
North Marine Road is a legendary outground with a festival-like environment, ideal for Yorkshire’s marquee fixtures.
The team will host Warwickshire and Leicestershire, providing intense Division One contests. The pitch offers varied challenges, allowing seamers and batsmen to showcase their skills.
Its intimate setting, combined with a historic seaside charm, makes every match a celebration of traditional county cricket, attracting dedicated fans eager for exciting, competitive encounters.
Sophia Gardens – Cardiff
Sophia Gardens is a modern, riverside stadium in the heart of Cardiff, providing excellent facilities and stunning views.
Glamorgan will welcome Division One rivals such as Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Somerset, Surrey, Hampshire, Warwickshire, and Essex.
The pitch favors stroke-play but gives seamers opportunities early, ensuring dynamic matches.
The combination of contemporary design, strategic cricketing conditions, and vibrant spectator experience makes it one of Wales’ premier venues for top-tier county fixtures.
Where To Watch The County Championship Division One 2026 Live
You can watch the County Championship Division One 2026 live for free via the official ECB Match Center on ecb.co.uk, featuring live video streams with BBC Radio commentary for every ball.
You can also catch matches on county YouTube channels like Yorkshire CCC or Nottinghamshire CCC, where home games are streamed live with match insights.
For mobile fans, you can stream all fixtures directly on the England Cricket App, keeping the action in your pocket.
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Conclusion: The County Championship Division One 2026 Starts On April 3!
The 2026 County Championship Division One season kicks off on April 3, 2026, promising intense red-ball action across England and Wales.
Historic grounds and modern stadiums alike will host exciting clashes between the top county teams, offering fans a mix of tradition and contemporary cricketing experiences.
Teams like Surrey, Yorkshire, Essex, and Glamorgan will face off at these grounds, promising closely fought matches.
Fans can look forward to unforgettable moments, strong rivalries, and a showcase of talent across all participating teams throughout 2026.
