The competition was set to be played in Armidale over the Australia Day long weekend as a gala event. 

Every association in the district was invited but only Tamworth, Armidale and Walcha had submitted teams at the start of the year.

NI Cricket Council secretary Karen Psarakis was disappointed that the event had been cancelled.

“Most of the associations couldn’t field teams this weekend,” Psarakis said.

“Some have round games and catch-up games this weekend as well.”

“It was discussed at the AGM last year, although not all associations were represented unfortunately.”

For Tamworth players, this time of year is particularly hard due to the Country Music Festival.

Last weekend, Tamworth forfeited both a War Vets Cup and Connolly Cup game due to numbers.

“A lot of the boys work and some of them are on holidays,” Psarakis said.

“It is not the best time of year and something we will look at at the next AGM.”

The council will be considering more than just a change of date for the short-form competition.

NICC President Mike Silver said that the issue highlights a few problems with district cricket.

“The format of some rep cricket needs to be looked over as well,” Silver said.

“The War Veterans Cup and the Country Cup need to be looked at.”

“Each district can play each other a lot, and it is the same team.”

One idea for the T20 is to hold a champions league style event, where the winners of the local T20 competitions go through to the annual gala weekend.

Another idea is to hold the event at the start of the season.

“Holding a gala day at the start of the season with all organisations would be good,” Psarakis said.

“It would get all the associations involved and communicating before the club season starts.”

“Especially the smaller associations.”

The next NICC AGM will be held in July.