THE JCT600 Bradford League and the All Rounder Cricket Equipment Central Yorkshire League are set to merge.

The structure that has been outlined for 2016 after talks between both boards is that the Premier Division will solely comprise Bradford League clubs, taking into account promotion and relegation between the two divisions are per normal at the end of this season.

Below the top flight will be two regional Championship divisions comprising the rest of the current Bradford League clubs, plus newcomers Methley and Birstall, and five more Central Yorkshire League Premier Division clubs to make a 22-game season in each section, thereby shedding Sunday league matches.

The third and fourth tier will be two Conference divisions, with potential promotion to the Championship from Conference One if criteria are met, while promotion between the conference sections will be on a two-up, two-down basis.

However, there is a bar on Bradford League clubs being relegated into the Conference – unless the Bradford League clubs fall below required standards or deem it to their benefit to be demoted.

This rule, will, however, be reviewed after the 2020 season, but there is potential within the constitution for clubs from other leagues to join what is in essence a West Yorkshire league.

The league, under the presidency of Keith Moss, will be run by the Bradford League management board, plus six members of the Central Yorkshire League management board, but while the leagues will be partners in 2016, the full merger will not apply until 2017.

While the top three divisions will play under Bradford League rules next season and the Conference divisions under Central Yorkshire League rules, rules will not be consolidated until 2017.

Likewise, Premier and Championship clubs will play for the Priestley Cup and Shield, but the Jack Hampshire Memorial Trophy and Wheatley Cup will be at stake for Conference clubs.

Bradford League chief executive officer David Young said: "This proposal presents a way forward for cricket in West Yorkshire, with the new enlarged Bradford League at the forefront."

While the proposed merger has been approved by the Central Yorkshire League at board level, Bradford League clubs are now making their own minds up and will vote on it at an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday, August 27.