England Could Rename Stanford Team
Following the criticism levelled at the organisation of the Stanford Series, the England and Wales Cricket Board is considering removing the England name from its representative side in next year’s tournament.
Questions arose as to whether England shirts should be worn as the series was sanctioned by the International Cricket Council, but had no official status.
Said England coach Peter Moores: ‘People talked about whether it should be an England team or should be named something different. It’s going to be reviewed. If a change helps people get their heads around why we’re here, fine.’
The Stanford Superstars, who thrashed England by 10 wickets in the $20m, winner-takes-all match on Saturday, were a West Indies team in all but name – containing nine Test players plus two others with one-day international experience.
Organisers were keen for them to play an official England team, in order to promote the game in the lucrative American market.
The England and Wales Cricket Board signed a lucrative deal last June for five $20m matches, to be played annually in November.
However this year’s Series has been overshadowed by issues with lighting and the standard of pitches as well as the behaviour of Sir Allen Stanford, the Texan billionaire behind the tournament.
