ECB proposes 100-balls-per-innings city-based competition

England cricket bosses have announced shock plans for a new format of the game when they confirmed their new eight-team tournament will be played over 100 balls per innings.

It was previously expected that the competition, which will come into operation in 2020, would follow the Twenty20 format of the global events – Indian Premier League and Big Bash – it is earmarked to compete with.

The proposals, presented to the 18 counties and the MCC at Lords, would see innings consist of 15 traditional six-ball overs and a final over featuring 10 deliveries, meaning matches would be 20 balls shorter than traditional T20 games.

“This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game,” said England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive officer Tom Harrison.

“Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.

“Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game.”

The initiative gives the concept a clear distinction between the T20 Blast, which consists of all 18 counties and is expected to continue unaffected when the ECB launches its new city-based extravaganza.

Southampton, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham are the cities to have been selected as venues for the five-week competition.

Lords and The Oval will host newly-created teams as will the Ageas Bowl, Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge and the Swalec Stadium.

[contf]
[contfnew]

CityAM

[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]