Cricket boards agree on C-league

By Our Correspondent

Mumbai

July 30: Enthused by the successes of their domestic Twenty20 Leagues, the cricket boards of India, Australia and South Africa reached an agreement here on Wednesday to stage the inaugural "Champions Twenty20" later this year.

The 10-day tournament will be played from September 29 to October 8 and the eight teams will comprise the finalists of the respective domestic T20 leagues. The teams will play 15 matches in the Champions Twenty20. The number will move up to 12 teams playing 23 matches for the second edition.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four each. After the preliminary league matches, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals and their winners will clash in the grand finale.

Teams will compete for a prize pool of $6 million in the Champions Twenty20.

At the meeting, regulations concerning the league, the business plan, the governance model, and other aspects including the tender process relating to the League were approved.

IPL chairman Lalit Modi, said, "The Champions Twenty20 League, for which the eight best teams which have earned their place through their domestic competitions, provides a new and exciting pinnacle for club championships across the world. I keenly await the inaugural season of the Champions Twenty20 League in September/October 2008."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, said, "This fantastic new competition gives our best state cricketers a chance to pit their skills against champions from other countries. I am also delighted that the benefits of this global event will flow down to the state level and enhance the game at the grassroots.

"I am certain this competition will enhance the stature of domestic cricket and pave the way for greater involvement of cricketers, right from the club through to the international arena," added Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola.