International cricket gossip and opinion from the BBC Test Match Special team. Read the TMS blog and get the latest behind the scenes from the Five Live Sports Extra commentary team. ...
When the Twenty20 Cup was first launched in 2003 I remember speaking to several players who admitted it was a competition that they would not be taking seriously. The phrase " hit and giggle " was often used about the new format of the game, while broadcasters like us were promised unique access to players throughout matches hinting that they didn't mind being disturbed as it was "only Twenty20". Well I can guarantee that the players from Essex , Kent , Middlesex and Durham will be taking the 2008 Twenty20 Cup finals day very seriously. Not only has the competition become one of the players' favourites over the past five years, mainly because of the large crowds it attracts and the excellent atmosphere created at grounds, but this year's Twenty20 stands to be the most lucrative competition in county cricket history. We know that this year's finalists will qualify for the proposed new " Champions League ", where the winning team stands to win £2.5m with large amounts on offer for other sides who do well in the competition. Saturday's Rose Bowl finalists will join teams from India, Australia and South Africa in an eight-team event to be played either in the Middle East or India in September. But on top of that Saturday's victorious team will now be offered the chance to share in the money bonanza being created by Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford . On Friday, details will be confirmed of a match between Stanford's All Star West India ...
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When the Twenty20 Cup was first launched in 2003 I remember speaking to several players who admitted it was a competition that they would not be taking seriously. The phrase " hit and giggle " was often used about the new format of the game, while broadcasters like us were promised unique access to players throughout matches hinting that they didn't mind being disturbed as it was "only Twenty20". Well I can guarantee that the players from Essex , Kent , Middlesex and Durham will be taking the 2008 Twenty20 Cup finals day very seriously. Not only has the competition become one of the players' favourites over the past five years, mainly because of the large crowds it attracts and the excellent atmosphere created at grounds, but this year's Twenty20 stands to be the most lucrative competition in county cricket history. We know that this year's finalists will qualify for the proposed new " Champions League ", where the winning team stands to win £2.5m with large amounts on offer for other sides who do well in the competition. Saturday's Rose Bowl finalists will join teams from India, Australia and South Africa in an eight-team event to be played either in the Middle East or India in September. But on top of that Saturday's victorious team will now be offered the chance to share in the money bonanza being created by Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford . On Friday, details will be confirmed of a match between Stanford's All Star West India ...