May 22, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 16, 1429

SYDNEY, May 21: 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 confirmed plans for Australia to host its version of Indian Premier League as early as 2009-10 season.

He said CA wanted to upgrade its two-week domestic T20 competition, and one way to tap into the game’s latest cash cow would be to follow the lead of IPL. 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 2009-10 season we will launch our own T20 competition we believe will really significantly enhance what already is good, strong KFC Big Bash competition,” Sutherland said.

CA is frustrated it does not share in spoils of IPL, despite providing some of the competition’s drawcards. There is a possibility that the governing boards will receive a handout if IPL finds an exclusive spot in international fixture next year.

It will mean nations would need to be reimbursed for missing out on revenue from Test and ODI series. But a sure way to tap into the T20 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 T20 that will bring new people to the game,” Sutherland said.

He 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 T20 “Champions League” tournament featuring two best teams from Australia, England, South Africa, India and Pakistan could still be held later this year.—Agencies