Trans-Tasman Twenty20 League

The newly formed Indian Premier League (IPL) and Champions Twenty20 Tournament may provide New Zealand Cricket with an opportunity to have New Zealand teams compete in a trans-Tasman Twenty20 competition, NZC CEO Justin Vaughan announced today.

The Board of Control for Cricket India overnight launched the IPL, which will feed into a Champions Tournament to be contested in 2008 by teams from India, Australia, England and South Africa.

“We have had preliminary talks with Cricket Australia about establishing a trans-Tasman league which will feed into subsequent global championships,” he said.

“Both New Zealand Cricket and Cricket Australia are interested in exploring this potential further with the possibility of a trans-Tasman league starting as early as the 2008/09 cricket season.

“The two top teams from this league would then progress to the Champions Twenty20 Tournament to play teams from Indian, African and European leagues.

“Unlike the proposed rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), the Indian Premier League and Champions Twenty20 Tournament will give priority to international cricket commitments.

“The concept is a very exciting development and has the full support of NZ.”

New Zealand Cricket Media Release