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The structure of domestic cricket will undergo a full review in May, which is not a moment too soon for former Test vice-captain Craig Matthews.

``That is a step forward,'' said Matthews, who takes over as marketing manager of the Western Province cricket association next month.

The two-and-a-half day seminar was announced by Ali Bacher, managing director of the United Cricket Board.

Bacher said television figures indicated there was plenty of interest in domestic cricket, although this was not translated into attendance at matches.

Although as many as 400 000 television viewers watch a Supersport Series match on a weekend, there were only 40 000 paying spectators at 36 matches last season - an average of about 300 a day. Standard Bank limited overs games attract an average gate of 3 500.

In both cases, attendances are less than half what they were 10 years ago, although total crowds are much bigger because of international games.

Bacher said the formats of the major competitions would be reviewed. Possibilities included splitting the expanded 11-team Supersport Series into two sections, with the winners meeting in a final, while the Standard Bank tournaments could be changed to ensure a more dramatic climax.

Western Province captain Matthews said there was concern among senior players about playing standards.

Low attendances and a big discrepancy between the pay scales of international and provincial players needed to be tackled, he said.

``At the moment it is difficult for players to make a full-time commitment to playing cricket. We need to generate more money for provincial cricket.''

Matthews said the introduction of combined provincial teams to play against England next season could be a pointer to the future.

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