Durham will travel to the United Arab Emirates as part of their preparations for the new season. Groups of players will also make separate trips to India and South Africa prior to the main tour.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris will represent Sussex in this year's Friends Life t20. The 36-year-old, previously of Essex, is available for the entire competition as an overseas player.

Worcestershire have announced a post-interest profit of £211,893 for the year ending September 30 2011. The news boosts the county that surprised many by avoiding LV=CC relegation last summer.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a new broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports for the four-year cycle from 2014-17.

Gloucestershire have confirmed legendary former Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will again represent the club, in this year’s Friends Life t20.

Glamorgan have announced that terms have been agreed with their existing lenders and new investors for a financial restructuring to put the club on a sound financial footing for several years.

Dirk Nannes is to rejoin Surrey for the 2012 Friends Life t20, the club have announced. The fast bowler picked up 19 wickets in last year's competition.

Derbyshire have announced batsman Usman Khawaja will return to the club as their overseas player for the second half of the 2012 season.

Kent’s pre-season plans include a 10-day tour of Antigua from March 7. On their return, Kent face three home friendlies against other counties.

Somerset have added further firepower to their Friends Life t20 squad with the signing of Albie Morkel. The South African is set to play alongside Chris Gayle as the club's second overseas player.

Gloucestershire have bolstered their top order with the signing of Dan Housego, who opted to leave Middlesex last year in search of first-team cricket.

James Harris is on course to be fully fit for the start of the county season, according to Glamorgan first XI coach Matthew Mott. The seamer sustained a reoccurrence of a groin strain during December.

The ECB has met with representatives of all 18 first-class counties and MCC to discuss the recommendations made in the Morgan Review.

Six Derbyshire players - Matt Lineker, Paul Borrington, Dan Redfern, Peter Burgoyne, Jake Needham and Tom Poynton - are in the Indian metropolis of Pune for a 10-day spin-bowling clinic.

Middlesex have revealed they will play friendlies against three counties, and a Middlesex County Cricket League representative XI, as part of their preparations for the new domestic campaign.

James Hildreth and Arul Suppiah are to visit a spin clinic in India for a 10-day training programme that will assist the pair's batting against slow bowling.

New Road has been chosen as the venue for the Olympic Torch Relay evening celebration when it visits Worcester on May 24. "We look forward to welcoming local people," David Leatherdale said.

Northamptonshire batsmen Ben Howgego, David Murphy and Stephen Peters have arranged to train in Sri Lanka with the help of Chaminda Vaas.

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has made a verbal agreement to represent Worcestershire in the 2012 Friends Life t20, according to the county. Ajmal played for them in all three competitions last year.

Leicestershire have given up on signing former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf for this season. Their overseas search now continues.