Originally Posted by Cricketblade:
“Could breathe in new life to the sport if t20 gets a free to air bbc, itv, channel 4 or 5 slot. The extra cash in sponsorships alone would help counties.”
We desperately need franchise cricket with a short tournament in July and August bring in the test stars and our own internationals in big grounds.
The problem is the structure today is one county one vote so the small ones will never be in favour. They could though offer a second T20 counties competition as today but then you would either have to ditch the one day cup or most likely half the county championship. Then though the county members won't accept it as reduces the days of cricket they get for their membership as I think all counties these days surcharge the T20 games on top of the county championship and league part of the one day cup.
Originally Posted by howard h:
“Glad to see the back of franchise cricket; but often wondered if the winners of the IPL and the Aussie BB couldn't enter our 20/20 (although there would be the possibility of some players playing for both teams!!)? But certainly would like to see Scotland and Ireland take part, maybe even Holland - what a day trip away that would be!”
You used to see all of Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands included in the various one day cup competitions in the old days. The problem is especially for Ireland and Scotland most of their top players have professional contracts with the counties today, so would have to play for them. Also depending upon how they share the TV money the costs would be higher and they would need to fund a full squad some of whom would only be their B players. Is why Ireland in particular turned down the invitations.
Originally Posted by Neil_Harris:
“I remember the IPL side getting first choice on a player?
I could be wrong but I've got a vague memory of a west Indian (maybe Pollard) playing for his IPL side and not his home team.”
I think that was the Champions League T20 which used to be on Eurosport. Caused problems for us as was played same time as final few rounds of county championship in mid to late September. So English clubs only occasionally took part. Was mainly funded by India with some money from Australia and SA. Was why they were seeded through to final group stages and the English teams had to play in pre qualifier with WI, NZ, Sri Lanka etc.
Anyway you are right as if was Indian money and promotion so the IPL team had first refusal on any of their players who played for any other team in the competition.