Leicestershire captain Paul Nixon welcomed the news that an English county could be in line for a $5million Twenty20 Jackpot.
Players will relish increased incentive
Counties eye cash bonanza
Leicestershire captain Paul Nixon welcomed the news that an English county could be in line for a $5million Twenty20 Jackpot.
The finalists of this year's ECB Twenty20 Cup will play in the inaugural Champions League competition against two teams from each of India, Australia and South Africa, with the winners of that scooping the huge cash prize.
The Foxes have twice won the domestic Twenty20 tournament since it was established in 2003 and former England star Nixon told
Sky Sports News: "I think it is a very brave move and a well-needed move. To have this competition will tell us a lot about domestic structures.
"We will see if ours is one of the best if we perform well and go through to those finals.
Proper money
"All of a sudden it brings the finances of small clubs like Leicestershire and Derbyshire, the non-Test playing grounds, to have the chance to earn proper money.
"To win the County Championship you are looking at just over £100,000. With sponsors you double that. That is spread out among the players so if you can come out with £10-15,000 after tax. It is a nice little incentive - but this is a whole different ball game.
"I was lucky enough to play in the ICL [Indian Cricket League] and experience that.
"From going out there for five weeks and finishing third, you earn the same money you do playing county cricket five or six days a week for six months, so this is going to be fantastic for the longevity of players' careers.
"It is great for anyone. Our guys will come off a decent and hard summer and will be in good form going into that tournament. It is a good thing for English cricket."
