NatWest Pro40 League

The Sunday League started with all 17 first-class counties taking part. It was sponsored by John Player & Co. and called John Player's County League.

It was a 40-over single innings competition with each bowler restricted to 8 overs and the bowler's run-up restricted to 15 yards. Each county played the others once.

4 points awarded for a win, 2 for a tie and 1 for a 'no result'. The winners were determined by most points gained. If points are equal, then positions determined by highest average run-rate per over throughout the season.

In 1999 the competition went to a two division 9 team format, and the overs increased to 45 then in 2006 the competition returned to 40 overs per side and in 2007 the competition gained new sponsors in Natwest, renaming to the NatWest Pro40 League