England set for Big Bash-style T20 cricket league

London: A new city-based Twenty20 tournament similar to Australia`s Big Bash is set to be introduced into English domestic cricket next season after officials reached a provisional agreement at Lord`s on Wednesday.

The new eight-team tournament will run in addition to the existing Twenty20 Blast competition involving all 18 first-class counties.

One of the biggest hurdles to the new tournament getting off the drawing board was cleared when it received backing from a majority of county representatives.

Unlike other similar tournaments elsewhere in the world such as the Indian Premier League, it is envisaged the new event will see proceeds ploughed back into the 18 first-class counties and not into the hands of privately operated franchises.

But there are still two formal hurdles the new tournament needs to clear.

The England and Wales Cricket Board will have to consider the proposal at its next board meeting and a subsequent further vote will be required to change the governing body`s constitution.

It presently states that any professional competition under its authority must include the first-class counties.