Law adjustments, points allocation and representative cricket will also be on the agenda at Maitland Leagues Club, but the popular shortened form of the game will take centre stage.

Twenty20 has not been played in the top two grades of Maitland and District Cricket Association competition previously, but was trialled in third to fifth grades last season.

The primary issue at tonight’s ­meeting will surround how best to introduce Twenty20 to the top two grades with several proposals put ­forward that cover models in and out of the regular competition.

One of the meeting instigators – City United all-rounder, former Newcastle first grader and NSW under-17 representative Matthew Trappel – said it was important for Maitland cricket to keep up with the times.

“Twenty20 cricket isn’t going anywhere [in Maitland] and it is already being played elsewhere,” he said.

“In Newcastle, Twenty20 quickly turned from hit and giggle to a good competition. Maitland can do the same to make it more enjoyable, more attractive and more of an incentive to play.” 

Trappel also pointed to talented ­juniors who were missing the chance to gain senior exposure to Twenty20 before progressing through the ranks.

“Seeing how much focus there is on Twenty20 at state and national level, you don’t want guys to miss out,” he said.

“Playing against Easts there were a few kids who are going through the system that were in that boat.”

Changes to the existing seven-team first grade competition would need to be made in order to incorporate Twenty20 into the regular season, while separate 16 or 32 team knockout competition ideas, possibly Hunter valley wide, have also been put ­forward.

Trappel said the introduction of ­leg-side wides, no-ball free hits and power plays into first grade were also up for discussion along with the ­allocation of bonus points in one-day fixtures and outright points in two-day encounters.

Coloured clothing, similar to that used in the current A-grade and district lower grade competitions, was also on the list along with incentives to play representative cricket.

“It’s a way of getting ideas out there and hopefully we can get a few proposals together to take to a board meeting and hopefully introduce for next year [2014-2015],” Trappel said.

An off-season Facebook post on the MDCA page attracted more than 80 comments from around the region.

Members of all Maitland cricket clubs are invited to attend the meeting, which starts at 6.30pm.