With last season's cup marred by a series of forfeits by smaller associations, officials have ditched the 94-year-old challenge format in favour of knockout matches.

Wagga and Griffith have also entered the competition to win Riverina's most coveted cricketing trophy.

The top two sides will play-off in a final with the winner to hold the cup over the winter.

"Last year was probably the line in the sand moment with the forfeits where it got to the point where it was getting harder and harder for people to commit to one game let alone more," area manager for South West NSW Luke Olsen said.

"There has been talk about changing the format for a while now and the time has arrived.

"We have four teams entered this year which is a little disappointing because we thought it would be a good opportunity for the smaller associations to compete, but we will push ahead as we think it's the way to go.

"Hopefully the associations who aren't playing will enter next season.

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"The beauty of it is the O'Farrell Cup will still be played for and we won't lose that important history."

Organisers hope the move will address the financial impact of associations holding the cup for sustained periods of time.

Cricket Albury-Wodonga presently hold the bragging rights after defeating Wagga by three wickets in the final challenge during last season.

The Border association received four forfeits during their campaign with some associations believing it was a waste of time and money to challenge.

CAW Hume will play CAW District in the opening round on December 1 with the winner to meet Wagga on a date to be determined.

CAW Provincial will meet Griffith with the victor advancing to the final.

Brian Lawrence, who co-wrote a book on the competition to celebrate 90 years of the O'Farrell Cup in 2015, has thrown his support behind the change.

"They probably needed to do something as it has lost a lot of its drive over the years," Lawrence said.

"I don't think it is because of the competition, but of our changing lifestyles and young blokes aren't committed to it."