Nottinghamshire CCC defend decision to play home game in Derbyshire

Eyebrows were raised when Notts’ outground fixtures were announced for 2026, when the game against Northamptonshire – the fourth of the One Day Cup group matches – was confirmed as taking place at Queen’s Park in Chesterfield on Friday, August 7.

Welbeck Cricket Club will, as is commonplace, host two One Day Cup matches against Somerset and Warwickshire, whilst Trent Bridge will host the other, that being the derby clash with Leicestershire.

But the club say the decision to take the other game out of Nottinghamshire was made due to a lack of viable options more locally.

Director of cricket Mick Newell said: “The most important thing when considering the hosting of any game is the pitch itself, followed by the outfield, and then the existing infrastructure.

“Currently, there simply aren’t any grounds within our county, other than Trent Bridge and Welbeck, that are able and willing to host a game at this level.

“We do have grounds in north Nottinghamshire that host age-group cricket, and we play some Second XI games at Worksop College, but there isn’t yet a ground capable of hosting a first XI match.

“Welbeck do a brilliant job hosting two games every year, but we feel three is too many, as do they, and we have to be realistic about where we can play.

“Bearing that in mind, though, and while hosting first-team cricket is a major undertaking, we are always open and willing to have discussions with any clubs that would like to explore the opportunity.

"Chesterfield have been great supporters of our club through their hosting of The Blaze, so we're looking forward to going there with Notts this year. It's a highly-regarded outground that's geared up for professional cricket, and is well-placed for supporters travelling from Nottingham."

The Outlaws will once more be competing to reach a home showpiece, with Trent Bridge again set to host the final of the competition, on Sunday, September 20.