Kent have to wait another month before knowing the shape of the 2011 domestic programme and chief executive Jamie Clifford admits he is frustrated by the delay.

Mr Clifford and chairman George Kennedy attended a meeting of the game’s top brass at Lord’s last month, with their views discussed by the ECB management board a fortnight ago. A working party has now been set up, which will report back to the next meeting on November 17.

He said: "It is frustrating. We went expecting to have to vote and make a decision but were merely asked for an opinion. Any decision is better than no decision."

Mr Clifford plans to talk to two members of the working party, Somerset chairman Andy Nash and Sussex chief executive David Brooks, to find out
how quickly things are progressing.

The main sticking point seems to be Twenty20. Kent want to retain a 16-match programme, while team director Paul Farbrace, who presented the coaches’ views on the structure, told the first meeting they would prefer to have it reduced to 10 games.

Mr Clifford added: "The feeling is that the schedule is full. I’m comfortable that Paul has that view but it has to be balanced commercially and a reduction in matches is not so attractive.

"Our commercial team are trying to find out as much detail as possible, so we can contact the members.

"Some counties have pressed the button already but I think that is a dangerous thing to do because we don’t know exactly how many days’ cricket there will be."

Mr Clifford said Kent were close to finalising the playing budget for next season, adding: "We are making good progress but it’s still too early to confirm anything."