Australia to launch Indian-style Twenty20 league

BIG business could be asked to tender for domestic Twenty20 franchises within a year as Australian cricket prepares for a revolutionary overhaul.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland yesterday confirmed plans for Australia to host its version of the Indian Premier League as early as the 2009-10 season.

Sutherland said CA wanted to upgrade its two-week Big Bash domestic Twenty20 competition, and one way to tap into the game's latest cash cow would be to follow the lead of the IPL.

As revealed in the Herald Sun last week, CA is considering allowing teams to be privately owned franchises with salary caps and overseas talent to ensure lucrative TV coverage appeals internationally.

"In our review, leading into the 2009-10 season we will be launching our own Twenty20 competition that we believe will really significantly enhance what already is a good, strong KFC Big Bash competition," Sutherland said.

CA is frustrated that it does not share in the spoils of the IPL, despite providing some of the competition's drawcards.

There is a possibility governing boards will receive a handout if the IPL finds an exclusive spot in the international fixture next year.
This would mean nations would need to be reimbursed for missing out on revenue from Test and one-day international series.

But a sure way to tap into the Twenty20 boom is to host a major tournament, which England is also considering in conjunction with billionaire Allen Stanford.

"We are under no illusions that our market is a different size.
''We need to tailor our product to our market, but we still see a tremendous benefit of being able to play Twenty20 that will bring new people to the game," Sutherland said.

Speaking at the launch of next summer's international program, Sutherland also said:

THE traditional New Year's Test in Sydney, against South Africa, will begin a day later than usual on January 3 so players would have more rest after the MCG Test.

A TWENTY20 "Champions League" tournament featuring the two best teams from Australia, England, South Africa, India and Pakistan could still be held later this year.

CRICKET Australia was working with the CSIRO to find a ball suitable for staging Test cricket at night.