Image courtesy of: The Telegraph

The Kensington Oval in Barbados played host to pre-season county matches earlier this year

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are considering to start the English county season abroad as they desperately seek out a solution to the congestion woes they face year after year.

According to reports, the ECB are planning to have the first two rounds of the County Championship held overseas in March in an attempt to ensure matches do not get affected by the unpredictable English weather.

This year’s County Championship failed to start with a bang as the slow pitches and cold conditions failed to appeal to both players and spectators.

The Caribbean is one potential option as six county squads travelled to Barbados for pre-season matches earlier this year and there have been reports confirming that numerous Caribbean nations would welcome the English county sides with open arms.

The two other destinations being pondered over are the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.

While some county players welcome the idea of playing matches abroad, others are concerned about the possible rebellion from their fans, who pay good money to watch them in action.

The cost of the matches being held overseas is also an issue, but it is understood that the trip could be paid for by sponsors or by the cricket boards of the country chosen.