Cricket Airtel Champions League Twenty20

Media Release For Immediate Publication

Airtel Champions League Twenty20 to feature world’s premier domestic teams

Mumbai, 24 May 2010: The Champions League Twenty20 Governing Council (CLT20) has today confirmed that the 2010 Airtel Champions League Twenty20 will feature 10 of the premier domestic Twenty20 teams in the world.

Teams from India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies will compete for domestic Twenty20 cricket’s ultimate prize from 10-26 September in South Africa.

CLT20 will once again bring a host of world cricket’s biggest and most exciting names – Tendulkar, Dhoni, Jayawardene, Steyn, Dravid, Tait, Duminy, Mendis, Kumble, Hayden, Taylor, Muralidaran, Pollard, Harbhajan, Oram, Malinga, Bollinger, Bravo, Afridi, Hussey, Jayasuriya, Bollinger – to the living rooms of fans around the world.

More than 75 percent of the participating players are expected to be the international stars of the game, making the tournament a true contest between the best of the best.

Of the nine teams already qualified, just three will be returning from the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2009 – Royal Challengers Bangalore (India), Victorian Bushrangers (Australia) and Wayamba Elevens (Sri Lanka).

Only one place remains to be filled, with the West Indies’ representative to be confirmed in late July. Trinidad & Tobago represented the Caribbean in 2009 and set the tournament alight with its brilliant run through to the final.

Mr N Srinivasan, Secretary, Board of Control for Cricket in India, said:
“The fact that only a third of last year’s field have re-qualified to play for the US$2.5 million first prize demonstrates the evenness of Twenty20 competitions around the world and the desperation of teams to compete at the world’s most prestigious domestic event.”

“There is no doubt that the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 has improved the quality of domestic Twenty20 cricket around the world and motivated teams in all countries to strive for a coveted place at the tournament.”

Mr James Sutherland, Cricket Australia CEO, said:
“While the participation of international players is an obvious highlight, CLT20’s ability to provide development opportunities for non-capped players is one of the most satisfying aspects of the tournament. The chance for these players to display their skills on the world stage and further their claims for national selection is a source of great pride for Cricket Australia and the other founding members.”

Mr Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa CEO, said:
“The Airtel Champions League Twenty20 will reinforce South Africa’s reputation as an ideal host for international sporting events.  The CLT20 concept has also shown the potential for Twenty20 cricket to attract new, ever-increasing fans to the game and the associated benefits have subsequently flowed to domestic cricket around the globe.”

The 2010 Airtel Champions League Twenty20 will feature 23 matches (the same number as 2009), with the tournament format, match schedule and venues to be decided in the coming weeks.

2010 Airtel Champions League Twenty20 – Competing Teams

• Chennai Super Kings (DLF Indian Premier League – India)

• Mumbai Indians (DLF Indian Premier League – India)

• Royal Challengers Bangalore (DLF Indian Premier League – India)

• Victorian Bushrangers (KFC Twenty20 Big Bash – Australia)

• South Australian Redbacks (KFC Twenty20 Big Bash – Australia)

• Warriors (Standard Bank Pro 20 Series – South Africa)

• Highveld Lions (Standard Bank Pro 20 Series – South Africa)

• Central Stags (HRV Cup Twenty20 – New Zealand)

• Wayamba Elevens (Inter-Provincial Twenty20 Cup – Sri Lanka)

• TBC (West Indies Domestic Twenty20 Champions)

About Airtel Champions League Twenty20

The Airtel Champions League Twenty20 is an initiative of its three founding members, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA) and Cricket South Africa (CSA). ESPN STAR Sports is the commercial rights holders for Champions League Twenty20 for a period of 10 years. The second edition of the league will be played in South Africa from 10-26 September 2010.