The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced plans to reduce the Friends Provident Twenty20 competition schedule from 2012.

Under the proposed alterations to the format, the number of pool games will be scaled back from 16 to 10 and will be played within a 'dedicated' window during June and July. The ECB's Management Board has approved a raft of measures to help relieve any adverse financial impact from the decision to reduce the amount of one day cricket.

Meanwhile, it was also agreed to retain the format of the LV= County Championship, which will comprise two divisions of nine teams playing 16 matches over the season. Two options for the future of the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition will be reviewed ahead of the board's next meeting in May, with concern raised over plans for a quarter final round.

The options for the competition feature four pools of five teams with a quarter final - giving teams eight guaranteed matches - or the retention of the current three-pool structure. ECB chair Giles Clarke said: "The changes to our domestic structure are the product of an extensive and rigorous consultation process."

However, some counties have expressed concern at the proposed alterations - due to come into effect in the 2012 season. Somerset County Cricket Club chair Andy Nash said: "There is nothing here which entitles those of us entrusted with managing county clubs to conclude that the substantial operating losses being racked-up by most counties at present will be reduced."

Kent County Cricket Club CEO James Clifford said: "At a time when there is considerable financial pressure on all counties reducing the number of t20 matches seems a great missed opportunity."