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The lure of playing the best domestic cricket sides in the world stands as a huge incentive for Australia’s state teams, who tomorrow start this summer’s Twenty20 competition.
Although the shortened format is still considered the least serious of cricket’s three versions, there can be no excuses for any state to treat this season’s expanded competition as just fun given the potential windfall.
On top of the chance to earn some silverware for a fortnight’s work and take part in cricket’s boom format, the two finalists this season will also get the chance to play off against the best two sides from India, England and South Africa.
The eight best sides from the four countries are scheduled to compete in the inaugural Champions League competition late next year.
Although the time and venue for next year’s competition is yet to be determined, the winning side could cash in on world cricket’s love of the new format and pocket $US2 million ($A2.28 million) prize money.
Western Australia’s Luke Ronchi said the incentives of big prize money and a trip overseas to play domestic sides from other countries was a huge appeal for Australia’s state players.
“That’s massive,” he said.
“Everyone would like to win the competition but that’s the big prize on top of everything.
“Everyone’s just looking forward to seeing if they can make it into that (Champions League) competition, because that’s a big thing, with the prize money as well.
“Going away for a trip for Twenty20 would be a huge thing for any player, that’s a massive incentive on top of everything.”
Ronchi looms as one potential star to watch this series, as he smashed a 51-ball century in a Pura Cup match against Queensland last month, which was remarkable for its clean hitting.
Victoria are the reigning Twenty20 champions, having won the first two domestic titles.
This season’s competition has been expanded so every sides plays each other once.
Queensland and Victoria will clash in Townsville tomorrow, while Western Australia host Tasmania at the WACA Ground.
South Australia and NSW will then play at Adelaide Oval on new year’s day.
The competition final will be played on January 13.
Dec 31 – Qld v Vic at Townsville
Dec 31 – WA v Tas at WACA Ground
Jan 1 – SA v NSW at Adelaide Oval
Jan 4 – Tas v NSW at Bellerive Oval
Jan 4 – Qld v SA at Gabba
Jan 4 – WA v Vic at WACA Ground
Jan 6 – Tas v SA at Bellerive Oval
Jan 6 – Vic v NSW at MCG
Jan 6 – WA v Qld at WACA Ground
Jan 8 – NSW v Qld at Telstra Stadium
Jan 8 – SA v WA at Adelaide Oval
Jan 8 – Vic v Tas at MCG
Jan 10 – NSW v WA at Telstra Stadium
Jan 10 – SA v Vic at Adelaide Oval
Jan 10 – Qld v Tas at Gabba
Jan 13 – Final at venue TBC
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