THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced that the 2010 Friends Provident t20 champions, Hampshire, and runners-up Somerset have accepted an invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board to take part in the Caribbean T20 in the new year. The 2011 Caribbean T20, being held from January 10 to 23, involves Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands and Combined Campuses & Colleges as well as Hampshire and Somerset. The inaugural tournament took place in July and was won by Guyana.
Ernest Hilaire, WICB chief executive, said: “The participation of the two Friends Provident t20 teams in CT20 will certainly enhance the tournament.” We look forward to keen contests between our Caribbean teams and Hampshire and Somerset and look forward to welcoming English fans to the fun and excitement of Caribbean style T20 cricket.”
Steve Elworthy, ECB director of marketing & communications, added: “The Caribbean T20 rewards Hampshire and Somerset for their hard work throughout the 2010 Friends Provident t20 campaign and provides an opportunity for both teams to experience playing in a different environment and test themselves against strong opposition.”
The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua will be the venue for the first round of Caribbean T20 matches while the final stages will be held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Hampshire won last season’s Friends Provident t20 in a thrilling final in August at the Rose Bowl by virtue of losing fewer wickets than Somerset when both teams reached 173 from their 20 overs. (PA Sport)