The BDCA sent a document to competing associations across the state last week outlining proposed changes that would result in a vastly different structured carnival, starting as early as 2022.

Under the BDCA's plan, the carnival would no longer be played over one week in Bendigo in January.

In a move designed to decrease the costs for competing associations and reduce the workload for local clubs, the carnival would be run over four Sundays.

Eight teams would be allocated to each division and inside each division the teams would be split into two pools of four.

Across three Sundays each team would play the other teams in their pool in 50-over per side one-day matches.

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The pool games would not necessarily be held in Bendigo.

Competing associations would get the chance to host at least one "home" game, while a neutral venue could be sought to ease travel times.

For example, if Wangaratta was drawn to play Warrnambool, the game could be played in Bendigo because of its proximity halfway between both associations.

The top team in each division would qualify for the grand final.

The grand finals would be played in Bendigo.

The BDCA set a proposed schedule of January 16, January 30, February 13 and February 27.

"I suspect it mightn't go ahead this summer, but the feedback I've had from a couple of associations is that they like the concept,'' BDCA president Travis Harling said.

"If the carnival doesn't go ahead in January then we'll look at revisiting this early in the year with the hope of going ahead in 2023."

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Bendigo Country Week didn't go ahead in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was the first year since 1946 that the carnival wasn't played.

Over the past decade, spiraling costs and the inability of key players to commit for a full week has seen the number of associations competing at Bendigo Country Week decrease.

The costs for some associations to send a team to Bendigo for a week can be north of $10,000.

The BDCA sees this fresh concept as an avenue to, potentially, attract more associations and have more quality players make themselves available to participate.

A cash prize for the winners of each division was also part of the proposal.

While Bendigo Country Week is set for a facelift, the Melbourne Country Week cricket carnival, at this stage, will go ahead in its traditional format in February.

The Victorian Country Cricket League has set aside the week of February 14-18 for the carnival.

Harling confirmed the BDCA would compete in the Provincial division, with a new coach to be appointed shortly.

The 2022 carnival marks 100 years of Melbourne Country Week.

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