Counties eye cash bonanza

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The finalists of this year's ECB Twenty20 Cup will have the chance to play for a $5million jackpot.

It was confirmed on Saturday that two counties will play in the inaugural Champions League competition against two teams from each of India, Australia and South Africa.

Original proposals were that the winners of the multi-national showdown would pick up a £1million ($2million) prize.

However, that has been increased to what for domestic cricket is a mind-boggling jackpot.

The event will take place in either India or the Middle East.

Discussion

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke and chief executive David Collier have been in discussion with their international counterparts this week.

The 15 matches will take place immediately after the end of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which concludes on September 28.

Shane Warne's IPL champions Rajasthan Royals and runners-up Chennai Super Kings will be joined by Victoria, Western Australia, the Titans, of Pretoria, and KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins.

"We are extremely grateful to our great friends from Australia, India and South Africa for their hard work and determination to get this tournament off the ground," said Clarke.

Demand

"The ECB Twenty20 Cup will be even more fiercely contested this season in the knowledge that the two teams who reach the final will qualify for the Champions League and the chance to win five million dollars.

"I am sure that the demand for tickets for this year's ECB Twenty20 Cup will be greater than ever."