18 English county sides have agreed to take ‘maximum reductions’ in their base salaries after accepting a ‘support package’ from the English Cricket Board and the country’s Professional Cricketers’ Association.

The agreement among the players will be effective for April and May, with clubs asking their players to apply for the British government’s furlough scheme in the process.

The £1-million prize pot for this year’s edition of the County Championship will also be sacrificed by the PCA as a notable contribution.

In a statement the players’ association said the agreement was met with mutual consent by the players and clubs involved.

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‘Discussions between the PCA, ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] and 18 first-class counties reached a conclusion today with all parties supporting an initial two-month agreement that will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money.’

Last year’s champions, Essex, who also won the annual T20 Blast last season, have since confirmed that all their players and some staff members have been placed on special leave in order to save costs.

‘The club will operate with reduced staff throughout April, with regular assessments taking place beyond that.

‘We hope that this will be for as short a period of time as possible and that we can all get back to work and enjoy some cricket in the near future,’ said chief executive Derek Bowden.