Royals approach Victoria
Wed, 10 February 2010
Victoria's Twenty20 team could soon form part of a 'global sport alliance' led by Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals. English county side Hampshire, South Africa's Cape Cobras and West Indies team Trinidad and Tobago are in talks to join forces with Rajasthan under a Royals2020 umbrella. And the Bushrangers - winners of the Big Bash competition in four of the past five years - look set to jump on board as well, if former captain Shane Warne has his way. The leg-spinning legend, who also captained Hampshire, was in London on Monday with Royals2020 chairman Manoj Badale to launch the innovative concept, which would include staging a 'festival' in July during the English season, as well as matches in Australia or South Africa during the Christmas period. Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide on Tuesday confirmed an approach from the IPL side. "We have received a proposal from the Royals representatives. The concept is an interesting one but we've made no commitments at all and whatever is proposed would have to suit Victorian cricket," he said. Dodemaide said the Royals name would only apply to the Twenty20 team and would not affect the Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup sides. "It is interesting obviously with Cricket Australia plans recently, to revamp the competition as from the season after next with perhaps new city-based teams and new identities anyway," he said. "It's very much a moving feast. But there's no suggestion that our traditional arms of cricket - Shield and Ford Ranger Cup teams - will be anything other than the Victorian Bushrangers." "We'll just assess the proposal on its merits, get as much detail as we can and make a decision when we're ready." Warne said there were enormous benefits for the players involved. "It will give the players the opportunity to share their knowledge," he said. "We're hoping to do a festival later in the year in Australia or South Africa." "I'm so excited by this," he added. "It would be nice to be 20 years younger. I am delighted to be part of this new innovation, and I am excited by what we can achieve, given what we have already achieved. Yet again, the Royals are leading the way. It is a bonus that clubs with which I have such deep affection are so involved."
Brandon Cohen, Sportal
