Only 6,000 fans will be able to see Yorkshire's Benson & Hedges Cup semi-final with holders Gloucestershire on June 25.
It follows a decision not to use the new West Stand which effectively reduces the gate by 8,000.
The situation is all the more perplexing for fans in view of the fact that the new seats will be in use for the first time eight-days earlier for the one-day international between England and Pakistan on June 17.
The reason for the closure is because the West Stand development will not be fully completed until the fourth Test between England and Australia starting on August 16.
It is only in use for the one-day international because temporary toilet facilities are being installed but they will be taken out again immediately after the match is over.
Yorkshire chief executive Chris Hassell said: "If the Yorkshire game had been the following day then we could have managed but cost and time are against us.
"We cannot afford to lose over a week's work on the West Stand, otherwise it would not be fully operational for the Test match, and the temporary facilities cannot be kept in place for a further eight days.
"Hopefully, we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to watch the semi-final .
"There will be designated reserve seats which cost £16 for adults and £8 for pensioners and children.
"It is an all-pay game and Yorkshire members will have priority on bookings until June 1."
Yorkshire had an offer from Scarborough chief executive Cec Snell to take the match to North Marine Road but it was felt a majority of fans would prefer the game to be played at Headingley
Scarborough, however, could house a crowd of around 11,000 and with the holiday season in full swing there would have been the strong possibility of a bumper gate.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article