Stanford Twenty20

Stanford Twenty20 is the name of what will be one the most lucrative cricket competitions in the history of English cricket when it launches in November 2008. Over a period of five years, England will play a total of five annual matches with the Stanford Super Stars in the Caribbean. It is anticipated that all matches will be staged on 1 November, which is the day that the Caribbean celebrates its independence.

The competition is being funded by Sir Allen Stanford, a Texan billionaire who currently runs his own Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies. Now a fully-fledged citizen of Antigua, Stanford is putting up $20 million in prize money for each match. $1 million will go to each player on the winning team and the rest will be shared between reserve players and the governing bodies associated with that team (for example, the England Cricket Board if England win).

England and the West Indies have enjoyed a good natured rivalry for decades, and the lucrative prize money on offer for this series of five matches is sure to keep it going.

When the launch of this competition was announced, ECB Chairman Giles Clark said: “We are extremely delighted that Sir Allen has chosen to work in partnership with the ECB. These matches will offer a chance for not only international cricketers but cricket at all levels - both here and in the Caribbean - to benefit. It is a hugely exciting time for cricket and particularly Twenty20 cricket."

Sir Allen Stanford said: “I see the Stanford 20/20 for 20 as a fantastic opportunity for current players in the Stanford 20/20 tournament to take a giant leap into the spotlight and gain exposure to top-class opposition.”