The Gillette Cup began in 1963 and was contested by the 17 first-class counties in 65 overs a side games.

Next season this was reduced to 60 overs and remained at this length until the end of the 1998 season. The first five Minor Counties from the previous season took part from 1964 and Ireland joined in 1980.

NatWest became sponsors in 1981. In 1983 the number of Minor Counties taking part was increased to 13 and Scotland joined. Durham replace one of these minor counties in 1992 when they gained first-class status. Holland joined in 1995 reducing the number of Minor Counties to 11.

In 1999 the 18 first-class counties were joined by recreational teams from 38 counties plus Scotland, Holland, Denmark and Ireland making a total of 60 teams competing for the trophy. The number of overs was reduced to 50 per side.

Gloucestershire won the cup in 1973 and 1999.