THE Lancashire Cricket Board has explained why this year's Lancashire Knockout final is not being played at Old Trafford.

Bolton League side Farnworth meet Denton West of the Greater Manchester League at Middleton Cricket Club on Sunday, September 11.

The showpiece match in Lancashire's amateur game has been staged away from Old Trafford on only six previous occasions since the competition began in 1972 – from 2007 to 2010 – and in the last two years.

The decision to play it at Middleton was taken at the beginning of the year, but has only been widely debated in local cricket circles since the two finalists won through their semi-finals on Sunday.

Manager director of the Lancashire Cricket Board, Bobby Denning, told The Bolton News it was not possible to play this year's final at Old Trafford and efforts will continue to be made to stage future finals at the iconic home of Lancashire.

He said: “The LCB prioritises the LCB Knockout Cup, supported by LWC Drinks Ltd, and we recognise the cricket network’s thoughts that the final hasn’t been played at Emirates Old Trafford for the past three seasons.

“We have a tight window when we can stage the final and the LCB recreation committee, made up of leagues, is aware of this.

“The T20 International between England and Pakistan takes place on the 7th September meaning we can't play the game on the 4th September at Emirates Old Trafford.

"On the 12th September Lancashire County Cricket Club commence a four-day fixture, therefore the ground is not available on the 11th.

"We're not able to take the fixture into the following weekend due to end of season work taking place.

"We continue to work closely with Lancashire CCC and will continue to look to stage future finals at Emirates Old Trafford when this is possible."