Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands have decided to form a new franchise-based European T20 League, which is all set to make its debut on August 30.
As per the discussion between the respective boards, each nation will field two franchises while the tournament (scheduled from 30 August to 22 September) will be even played across the three nations. Ireland will be represented by teams from Belfast and Dublin respectively, while Scotland Have teams from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Netherlands are yet to announce their teams.
As BBC quotes, the organisers have signed an initial 10-year deal with the sponsors for the tournament.
Further, as far as other regulations go, each franchise will be allowed to sign up to seven foreign players, with a quota of a minimum six domestic players in the starting XI has been set. The decision has been made in order to give local players a much-needed boost.
A player, however, will only be considered as a local if he is signed by his country's franchise. If not, he will play as an overseas player. For example; an Irish player will be considered as a local if he is signed by either Belfast or Dublin franchise.
"The chance to play alongside some of the best in the business will provide a great opportunity for our players to learn and develop their own skill-set as we strive to achieve full membership and climb the ICC team rankings," said Cricket Scotland chief executive Malcolm Cannon.
"I think playing across three nations makes it unique," he told ESPNcricinfo. "But I think for Scottish fans, bringing the excitement of domestic T20 franchise league cricket to the home shores is a first. It gives television audiences at home and overseas world -class cricket at their doorstep."
The tournament is bifurcated between group stages followed by the semi-finals and the final wherein all the teams will play 10 matches each; 5 home and 5 away.
