da heads bet： The P20, English cricket’s answer to the IPL, could be on the verge of being scrapped after more doubts surfaced about its viability
da lvbet： George Dobell17-Jul-2009The P20, English cricket’s answer to the IPL, could be on the verge of being scrapped after more doubts surfaced about its viability.The competition, which had been scheduled to be played over three weeks in June from 2010 onwards, has run into serious concerns over funding, while several counties are opposed to the drastic alteration to the English domestic schedule that would be required to make way for it. Doubts have also been raised over the ability of English teams to participate in the BCCI-run Champions League.The matters have come to a head as counties discuss changes to theEnglish domestic structure due to come into force from the start of nextseason. With the Champions League scheduled to be played from thesecond week of September, the ECB suggested finishing the 2010 seasonearly in order to allow two counties to take part, and the introductionof a second T20 competition.Several of the counties are concerned, however. Not only are theyworried about the ECB’s suggestion that the County Championship seasonbe cut to 12 or 14 games, they are also concerned that the financialrewards originally suggested for participation in the P20 will not beforthcoming.As things stand a variety of options remain on the table. The countychairmen and chief executives will meet at Lord’s next week to discussthe possibility of playing next year’s championship over threedivisions or three conferences. But the majority of counties appear tofeel that a two-division championship played over 16 four-day games isan essential part of the English schedule.They will also discuss the viability of the P20. Though no firmdecision has yet been taken, there is a clear waning of enthusiasm forthe idea, with some clubs recommending a single – though extended -Twenty20 competition.It transpires that, not only is there no firm deal from a broadcasterfor the P20, but the sums mooted are much smaller than were originallysuggested. For example, a county in the second division of the P20could expect no more than £150,000 for their involvement, from whichthey would have to fund the inclusion of three overseas players. Firstdivision clubs would receive £250,000.The counties are split over their participation in the ChampionsLeague. Though the promise of around £250,000 for the two qualifyingcounties is attractive, 16 counties will earn nothing. They aretherefore asking themselves whether the rewards justify the cost.As one county chief executive told Cricinfo: “There is a real dangerthat the Champions League is going to dictate the schedule for thewhole English season. While it’s clearly desirable that we do take part in the ChampionsLeague, there is not sufficient money at stake to see us arrange ourschedule around it.”It’s an Indian competition. We don’t have any stake in it. They’vescheduled it for September this time, but who is to say they won’tschedule it for August next time? They know it’s during our season,but they don’t care. The preference of the original working party was for only oneTwenty20 competition, but we were told that the additional money wasso significant that we had to embrace a second version.”But we’re growing uncomfortable about the details. There’s no moneyon the table yet and the sums being talked about are not so great thatthey make these changes worthwhile.”
