Surrey have confirmed they have held talks with IPL franchises about the feasibility of hosting Twenty20 matches at The Oval.
English county hoping to stage one or more Twenty20 fixtures
Surrey have confirmed they have held talks with Indian Premier League franchises about the feasibility of hosting one or more Twenty20 matches at The Oval.
The multi-million pound competition returns for its second year in 2009 and, with the "blessing" of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Surrey have confirmed their interest in staging one or more fixtures.
However, a packed schedule of domestic and international fixtures next season has seen Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon adopt a cautious approach.
But the possibility of bringing a couple of fixtures to London - along with the associated lucrative commercial opportunities - is one he is prepared to explore, in the right circumstances.
"It is true we have spoken to certain IPL franchises about staging games here," Sheldon said.
"If it was possible within the calendar and with the blessing of the ECB, we would certainly look at it."
Sheldon also expressed his anxiety to ensure Surrey do the right thing by English and international cricket as well as themselves.
"Looking forward to 2009, the domestic and international calendar is very tight - so it will probably be difficult to find time for it," he said.
"If it were possible we would be very keen to do it, but we would always work closely with the ECB."
