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MUMBAI:
Cricket Australia (CA) is considering a domestic event along
the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The
IPL-like franchise system for Australia's domestic tournament
is likely to start in 2009-10, as Cricket Australia and India
have agreed to clear their biggest superstars to play in Australia's
domestic Twenty20 competition.
Like
the IPL, Cricket Australia is also looking to cash in on T20's
growing popularity. Cricket Australia's spokesperson Peter
Young said that the franchise model is being studied. It could
look at inviting players from abroad which is what the IPL
does.
Australia
has a six-state Twenty20 competition. There is the chance
that this event would be revamped.
The two Australian sides Victoria and Western Australia are
taking part in the inaugural Champions T20 League in India
from 3-10 December.
Meanwhile,
Cricket Australia thanked the Rajasthan Cricket Association
(RCA) for the hospitality it has shown the visiting Australia
national team this week as Australia begins the VB Tour of
India.
Cricket
Australia’s Acting CEO Michael Brown says, “It is
important for any touring cricket team to acclimatise to the
conditions before a big series and we’re grateful to
the Rajasthan Cricket Association for the hospitality they’ve
extended to Australia and the high quality of the facilities
on offer at RCA’s Academy in Jaipur.
“We
look forward to extending the same courtesies to India when
they next tour Australia as part of the successful and ongoing
bilateral relationship between Cricket Australia and the BCCI.”
In
recent years, CA’s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane has
operated a reciprocal programme with the BCCI.
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