Cricket Nations Launch New Twenty20 Tournament

The England and Wales Cricket Board has joined forces with its counterparts in
India, Australia and South Africa to launch the T20 Champions League – a new
Twenty20 tournament involving domestic county, province and state sides from the
various nations.

The concept for the new competition has been backed by the ICC as well as the
four Boards involved.

The initial plans are for the two domestic finalists from England and Wales,
Australia and South Africa to play off against the two Indian finalists for a
£2.5m prize fund – with £1m going to the winners.

It is hoped that the competition will be expanded in future years to include
the other full member countries.

David Collier, the ECB chief executive, said: ‘Twenty20 cricket has excited
and captured the interest of a new generation of cricket supporters during the
past five years, providing a major boost for our Counties throughout England and
Wales.

‘ECB is delighted and congratulates BCCI on launching the Indian Premier
League to compliment the domestic competitions run by ECB, Cricket South Africa
and Cricket Australia.

‘For County, State and Province players the introduction of the T20 Champions
competition played between the eight best teams in the world who have earned
their place through our domestic competitions provides a new and exciting
pinnacle for our County champions.’