London, Aug 28 - The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to drop the 50-over format from its domestic calendar has come in for sharp criticism from national players and the team management.

ECB replaced the 50-over format with a 40-over competition from 2010 after the 18 first-class counties voted 13-5 for the new structure that they feel holds much greater commercial value.

But there were serious concerns that the interests of the national team will be compromised. The England management have expressed their preference for the 50-over format.

The potential lack of experience in the format for emerging players is a subject that concerns national selector Geoff Miller.

'If there is a global 50-over tournament, we have to participate in it, and if all we are playing is 40-over cricket then I have a problem with that,' The Times Friday quoted Miller as saying.

'I am looking at it from a cricketing point of view. I understand there is a financial point of view as well. My job as national selector is to win cricket matches and if we do that, it makes money along the line, as will happen with the Ashes,' Miller said.

The Professional Cricketers' Association was also in favour of retaining the 50-over competition.

England's veteran batsman Paul Collingwood said that the move could have a bearing on the country's performance in the One-dayers.

'We want county cricket to mirror international cricket, simple as that. It is important that players are getting the experience before they get to the international stage. If we are not playing the 50-over game (at the county level) it is going to be a hindrance,' Collingwood said before the game against Ireland.

Playing conditions in the 40-over competition will be tailored along the lines of One-day internationals, including powerplays and fielding restrictions.